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Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevention

By Dr. Monica Mahajan in Internal Medicine

Oct 17 , 2024 | 6 min read

Dengue fever is a viral disease that has kept public health authorities all over the world on their toes, particularly in countries such as India, where the infection is generally endemic. Spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, the dengue virus infects thousands of people annually, with many requiring hospitalisation while many losing their lives to the illness. In this article, we will cover the symptoms of dengue, its diagnosis, treatment options, and some precautions you may take to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the infection.

Dengue Infection Symptoms 

Dengue fever can produce an array of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms typically appear within 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common signs to watch for include:

  • High Fever: The classic sudden onset of high fever, which is usually above 39°C or 102°F, generally characterises the disease. Fever may vary in duration from few hours to few days
  • Headache: Very severe headaches, sometimes incapacitating, are found among the most reported symptoms.
  • Muscle and Joint Ache: Dengue is popularly known as the "break-bone disease" and is accompanied by muscle and joint aches. This can be distressing for the affected individual.
  • Rash: The rash that is very characteristic of this disease usually develops a few days after the fever commences, with its appearance anything from mild to severe.
  • Fatigue and weakness: In some cases, the patients may feel extremely tired and weak, and it might persist for weeks even after subsidence of other symptoms.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Common gastrointestinal symptoms that can cause dehydration.

In some cases, dengue can progress to severe dengue, characterised by more serious symptoms, such as:

  • Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense pain in the abdominal region.
  • Persistent Vomiting: Ongoing vomiting that may lead to dehydration.
  • Bleeding: This may include bleeding from the nose, gums, or unusual bruising, indicating a more severe form of the disease. Blood in urine or stools or premature periods in women 
  • Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or other respiratory issues may arise.
  • Organ Impairment: Signs of liver or heart issues can occur, and patients may experience sudden drops in blood pressure.

Dengue Infection Diagnosis

Accurate and timely diagnosis of dengue fever is crucial for effective management and treatment. Doctors typically use a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the dengue virus. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic process:

Clinical Assessment

A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential. The doctor will inquire about recent travel to endemic areas, mosquito exposure, and the onset of symptoms. Observing the characteristic symptoms, especially the combination of high fever, headache, and body pain, can provide initial clues.

Laboratory Tests

  • Dengue NS1 Antigen Test: This test detects the presence of the dengue virus's NS1 protein in the blood, typically within the first week of infection.
  • Dengue IgM and IgG Antibody Tests: These serological tests can help identify dengue infection. IgM antibodies usually appear within a week of the onset of symptoms and indicate recent infection, while IgG antibodies may indicate past exposure or a secondary infection.
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is often performed to check platelet levels and monitor white blood cell counts. Low platelet counts can signal the progression toward severe dengue.
  • Ruling out other causes of infection, simultaneous co-infections with typhoid, malaria and later on checking for secondary bacterial infections if patient is not improving

Monitoring Symptoms

Platelets need to be monitored especially after the fever settles since that is the time that platelets drop 

In diagnosis , also mention ruling out other causes of infection, simultaneous co-infections with typhoid, malaria and later on checking for secondary bacterial infections if patient is not improving

Patients diagnosed with dengue are closely monitored for changes in symptoms and any signs of progression toward severe forms of the disease, especially during the critical phase, which usually occurs around days 3 to 7 of illness.

Dengue Infection Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, but supportive care will manage symptoms and reduce the complication burden. Early medical intervention is thus very critical in preventing these naw further progressions into severe dengue. Treatment strategies are mainly symptomatic relief, hydration, and monitoring for potential signs of deterioration.

  • Hydration: Treatment for Dengue largely depends on hydration. The presence of a fever, vomiting, and the overall response of the body to infection dehydrates a patient. A patient is always advised to drink plenty of water, oral rehydration solutions, coconut water, and clear soups for the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance to avoid complications.
  • Pain and Fever Management: The very high fever with muscle or joint pains in dengue is usually controlled by paracetamol or acetaminophen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are, however, best avoided, as well as aspirin or ibuprofen, because these drugs can increase bleeding tendencies in dengue patients.
  • Rest: Enough rest is needed to help the body regain energy lost through being tired. Dengue fever often causes extreme tiredness; proper rest rejuvenates the energy level within the person and makes his immune system strong enough to fight against the virus.
  • Severe Dengue: The disease may develop into this, which then needs hospital treatment. Intravenous fluids could be necessary for the extreme symptoms of internal bleeding, shock, or impairment of organs, or even blood transfusions or other interventions.
  • Monitoring of Platelet Level: Diagnosed dengue, especially the severe forms, should be monitored regularly for blood platelet counts. A remarkable drop in platelets heightens the risk for bleeding complications that may necessitate medical interventions. The fall in platelets and a consequent rise is an immune response. Popular home remedies or Indigenous medicines will not alter the course of the illness

Dengue Infection Prevention

The prevention of dengue fever largely revolves around reducing exposure to mosquito bites and controls, as there is yet no approved vaccine for widespread use in many regions of the world, like India. Here are some practical ways to reduce your risk in catching dengue:

  • Use Mosquito Repellent: Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Reapply the products according to the product instructions, especially after you've been outdoors.
  • Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, in conjunction with long pants and socks, can reduce exposed skin and lower your risk for mosquito bites.
  • Sleep under mosquito nets: Bed nets are recommended mainly when mosquitoes are most active or one cannot be in an environment with air conditioning.
  • Install window and door screens: Ensure that windows and doors have proper installation of their screens to keep mosquitoes outside your living area. When possible, using air conditioning can also contribute to reduced exposure. 
  • Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. Eliminate potential places around your house where standing water might collect in flowerpots, buckets, and birdbaths.
  • Use Insecticides: Insecticides and larvicides are chemicals put in water to control mosquitoes in areas where they breed. Communities can participate in mosquito control programs aimed at reducing mosquito populations.
  • Watch for Peak Hours: Aedes mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Being particularly cautious during those times can lower your chances of getting bitten.
  • Take Travel Precautions: Individuals, in general, travelling to areas of the world where dengue fever is endemic should pay special attention to mosquito bite precautions. Local health information on outbreaks and high-risk areas may be obtained through consultation with the local health authority.

Final Words

Dengue fever is a critical health concern around the world, with tropical countries such as India being at a higher risk. That’s why it is important to know about possible preventive measures for dengue fever, and its early symptoms so that medical intervention is sought before the infection spirals out of control. Early diagnosis and proper management help in faster recovery, while mosquito control and bite prevention are necessary to reduce the spread of the virus. If you or someone you know has been experiencing any of the symptoms of dengue fever, waste no time consulting a specialist at Max Hospitals. With the latest in diagnostic technology and highly qualified specialists, we ensure you receive the best possible care for dengue, paving the way for a swift recovery.


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