Health

Dengue fever: Signs, symptoms and treatment


Published: 2013-11-01 year Updated: 2021-08-30
Author: Thomas C. Weiss | Contact: Disabled-World.com
Peer-reviewed publications: N / A
Move in: Main announcement | Publications

Summary: Information regarding Dengue fever, a dangerous disease in the tropics and subtropics caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue fever has been a global problem since the 1950s. While dengue is rare in the continental United States, it is endemic in Puerto Rico and in several popular tourist destinations. in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Rash, fever, and headache along with other aches and pains are characteristic of dengue. Other signs of dengue include severe pain behind the eyes, bleeding gums, and red palms and soles.

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Main announcement

More than a third of the world’s population now lives in areas at risk of dengue transmission. Also known as fracture fever, dengue fever is an infectious tropical disease caused by the Dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash similar to measles. Treatment of acute dengue is supportive, using oral or intravenous therapy to replicate mild or moderate disease, and intravenous fluids and blood transfusions for more severe cases.

Dengue is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions. Up to 100 million people are infected each year. Dengue fever is caused by any 1 of 4 related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent dengue virus infection, and the best protection is to avoid mosquito bites. Once a person is infected, early recognition and prompt treatment can greatly reduce their risk of developing severe illness.

Dengue fever has been a global problem since the 1950s. While dengue is rare in the continental United States, it is endemic in Puerto Rico and in several popular tourist destinations. in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Periodic outbreaks occur in Guam and Samoa.

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses, transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute form of the disease with a sudden onset, often following a benign course, with symptoms that include:

  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Exhausted
  • Inflammation
  • Severe muscle and joint pain

The sensation of a rash, fever, and headache along with other pains are distinctive features of dengue. Other signs of dengue include severe pain behind the eyes, bleeding gums, and red palms and soles.

Dengue fever can affect anyone, but tends to be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. Because the cause is caused by 1 of 4 serotypes of the virus, the patient can have dengue fever many times. Fortunately, an attack of dengue fever confers lifelong immunity to the specific serotype to which the person has been exposed.

Dengue is also known by other names including ‘high fever’ or ‘fracture’. People who have had dengue fever many times experience convulsions due to severe muscle and joint pain, hence the name ‘fracture fever’. Slaves in the West Indies who contracted dengue were said to have ‘high fever’ due to their gait and posture.

The virus is transmitted by the bite of the midges mosquito, ‘Aedes aegypti’, which has previously bitten an infected person. Mosquitoes thrive during the rainy season, but can also breed in cans, plastic bags and flower pots filled with water year-round. Just one mosquito bite can cause disease. Viruses are not contagious; fortunately, and cannot be spread through direct person-to-person contact. There must be a route of transmission from person to mosquito to another person.

Signs and symptoms of dengue fever

Once a person is bitten by a mosquito that carries the virus, the incubation period is 3 to 15 days, usually 5 to 8 days, before they start showing signs and symptoms of dengue, which occurs in stages. paragraph. Dengue fever begins with:

  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Mild back pain
  • Pain when moving eyes

A person feels pain in their joints and legs during the first hours of illness. An infected person’s temperature rises rapidly to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and their heart rate and blood pressure drop. Their eyes become red and a pale pink or flushed rash appears on their face and then disappears. The glands (lymph nodes) in their groin and neck are repeatedly swollen.

Fever and other signs of dengue fever last 2 to 4 days, followed by a rapid drop in body temperature along with profuse sweating. Pre-experience a period of average temperature and a feeling of well-being lasting about a day. The temperature rose a second time shortly after. The characteristic rash appears with the fever and spreads from the person’s extremities to cover their entire body, except for their face. The sick person’s palms and soles of their feet may become bright red and swollen.

Diagnosing Dengue Fever

The diagnosis of dengue is usually made when a person presents with typical clinical symptoms such as fever, headache, severe muscle aches, eye pain, and rash, and has a history of being in a dengue-endemic area. . Dengue fever can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with those of some other viral diseases such as ‘Chikungunya fever’ and West Nile virus.

In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a blood test to diagnose people with dengue fever. This test is called, ‘DENV Detect IgM ELISA. The FDA has noted that the new test can also give a positive result when a person has a closely related virus such as West Nile disease.

Treatment and Prognosis Dengue fever

Because dengue is caused by a virus, there are no antibiotics or specific medications to treat it. For typical dengue, treatment consists of relieving the symptoms the person is experiencing. Rest and fluids to stay hydrated are obviously important. Aspirin and NSAIDs should only be used under a doctor’s supervision because of the potential for aggravating bleeding complications. Acetaminophen and codeine may be used for severe muscle and joint pain or severe headaches.

Dengue is typically fatal in less than 1% of those infected. The acute phase of the disease with fever and other symptoms lasts for several days. A person experiences feelings of weakness and a period of rest and recovery. Full recovery from dengue fever takes several weeks.

Author credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses for a Master’s, Bachelor’s and two Associate’s degrees, as well as studying Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant, Thomas has supported people of many racial, religious, gender, class and age groups by providing care to people with all forms of disabilities. disability from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson’s; paralysis and quadriplegia for spina bifida.

Disability World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their families and/or carers. . Check out our homepage for helpful news, reviews, sports, stories and guides. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disability World on our about us page.

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Disability World provides general information only. The documents presented are never meant to be a substitute for the professional medical care of a qualified physician, and they should not be construed as such. Financial assistance is obtained from advertisements or referral programs, if specified. Any 3rd party offers or advertisements do not constitute an endorsement.


Citation of this Page (APA): Thomas C. Weiss. (2013, November 1st). Dengue fever: Signs, symptoms and treatment. The world of people with disabilities. Accessed October 28, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/health/dengue.php

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