Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries including India during and after the monsoons( rainy season)
These are some the frequently asked questions regarding Dengue
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is caused by Dengue Virus and is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms includes high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and fatigue.
How does dengue fever spread?
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes are most active during early mornings and late afternoons.
After how many days of having a mosquito bite will I get Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever symptoms occur 3-10 days after being bitten by the mosquito.
Can dengue fever spread from person to person?
Dengue fever is not directly contagious from person to person. It requires a mosquito vector to spread the virus.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
The symptoms of dengue fever include
high fever, which can last 2-7 days, severe headache (often behind the eyes)
generalised body aches, fatigue,
nausea, vomiting, rash
mild bleeding from the nose or gums.
Dengue fever the complications may occur 24-48 hours after the fever breaks (the critical phase) and hence the patient needs to be monitored closely during this phase.
What are the warning signs of severe dengue fever?
Most case of Dengue are classical Dengue Fever and resolve without complications
Warning signs in Dengue Fever are
persistent vomiting,
abdominal pain,
lethargy,
bleeding from nose, gums,
breathing difficulty,
cold and clammy hand and feet.
Patients with warning signs should consult their physician immediately.
Severe dengue fever occurs in approximately 5 percent of dengue patients, also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Patients will develop severe bleeding, organ impairment, drop in blood pressure and shock. This form of dengue can be life-threatening and requires immediate hospitalisation and intensive care
How is dengue fever diagnosed?
Dengue fever can be diagnosed through blood tests that detect the virus antigen or antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection. During Dengue Fever your doctor may get a complete blood count (CBC) done repeatedly to check for the haematocrit (PCV) and platelet counts
What is the treatment for dengue fever?
Most patients can be managed at home. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Supportive care, such as staying well hydrated, rest, and Paracetamol syrups/tablets for fever and body pain are the mainstay of treatment. NSAID should be avoided. Hospitalisation might be necessary in case of Dengue with warning signs and in severe Dengue.
How can we prevent Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. Measures include using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito nets, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites like stagnant water containers.
Are there vaccines for dengue fever?
Dengue vaccine has been licensed in some countries, and is given only to persons with proven past Dengue infection.
Dengue vaccine is not available in India.
If you suspect you or family member might have dengue fever, it's important to consult with your physician . Early diagnosis and appropriate care are important to manage the illness effectively and reduce the risk of severe complications.
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