Dengue fever also known as Backbone Fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a type mosquito called Aedes Aegypti. There are four distinct types of viruses that cause dengue fever. The severe forms of this disease include dengue shock, syndrome and hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Though currently, there are no vaccines for this disease, the best way to prevent this is to avoid contact with mosquitoes. The symptoms of dengue fever may also vary from mild to severe depending on the severity of the disease. It is highly advisable to negotiate with the doctor before the condition becomes critical. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas such as Central and South America, parts of Africa, Asia, Caribbean, and Pacific.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
The symptoms of dengue fever can be divided into three-phase - Febrile phase, Critical phase and Recovery phase.
The common symptoms in the Febrile phase are-
Sudden onset of fever.
Severe headache.
Mouth and nose bleeding.
Muscle and joint pain.
Frequent vomiting and feeling nauseous.
Diarrhoea.
Body rashes that disappear and then reappear.
Some of the symptoms that occur in the Critical phase are-
Hypotension.
Pleural effusion ascites.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
The symptoms of that occur in the Recovery phase are-
Altered level of consciousness.
Seizure.
Severe itching in the parts of the body.
Heart rate becomes slow.When the fever reaches a severe stage, it showcases the below-mentioned symptoms-Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (DHF)-
Nose bleeding. Bleeding from gums or mouth.
Internal bleeding that may cause black vomit and faeces.
Lower the number of platelets in the blood.
Small blood patches under the skin.
Symptoms of Dengue fever shock syndrome include-
Intense stomach pain.
Heavy and regular bleeding.
Sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
Fluid leaking from blood vessels.
How it is diagnosed?
Usually, the symptoms of dengue fever are similar to other diseases such as typhoid fever and Malaria. This complicates the chances of an accurate and prompt diagnosis process. For diagnosis, a doctor first assesses the symptoms, checks and the patient's medical and travel history, especially if one had a traveling experience in the tropical regions. Then he may order a blood test to confirm whether it is a dengue infection. If the virus is detected, the doctor may start the treatment process.
The common treatment options are - Intravenous fluid supplementation, blood transfusion, prescribing painkillers, etc.What are its precautionary measures?
Prevention is the better than cure. Therefore, if one is travelling through tropical or subtropical areas, it is highly advisable to take vaccine. One must try to stay in an air-conditioned and well screened home. He/she should wear protective clothing such as, long-sleeved shirt, full pants, socks and shoes. While travelling, it is also mandatory to use mosquito repellent containing at least 10 percent concentration of DEET. After taking the precautionary measures, even if one experiences the symptoms of dengue fever, it is highly advised to opt for a check-up and blood test immediately!
The author is a renowned health blogger and writes well-researched health related articles and blogs. His recent piece of content, - 'symptoms of dengue fever' is highly informational in nature.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
The symptoms of dengue fever can be divided into three-phase - Febrile phase, Critical phase and Recovery phase.
The common symptoms in the Febrile phase are-
Sudden onset of fever.
Severe headache.
Mouth and nose bleeding.
Muscle and joint pain.
Frequent vomiting and feeling nauseous.
Diarrhoea.
Body rashes that disappear and then reappear.
Some of the symptoms that occur in the Critical phase are-
Hypotension.
Pleural effusion ascites.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
The symptoms of that occur in the Recovery phase are-
Altered level of consciousness.
Seizure.
Severe itching in the parts of the body.
Heart rate becomes slow.When the fever reaches a severe stage, it showcases the below-mentioned symptoms-Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (DHF)-
Nose bleeding. Bleeding from gums or mouth.
Internal bleeding that may cause black vomit and faeces.
Lower the number of platelets in the blood.
Small blood patches under the skin.
Symptoms of Dengue fever shock syndrome include-
Intense stomach pain.
Heavy and regular bleeding.
Sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
Fluid leaking from blood vessels.
How it is diagnosed?
Usually, the symptoms of dengue fever are similar to other diseases such as typhoid fever and Malaria. This complicates the chances of an accurate and prompt diagnosis process. For diagnosis, a doctor first assesses the symptoms, checks and the patient's medical and travel history, especially if one had a traveling experience in the tropical regions. Then he may order a blood test to confirm whether it is a dengue infection. If the virus is detected, the doctor may start the treatment process.
The common treatment options are - Intravenous fluid supplementation, blood transfusion, prescribing painkillers, etc.What are its precautionary measures?
Prevention is the better than cure. Therefore, if one is travelling through tropical or subtropical areas, it is highly advisable to take vaccine. One must try to stay in an air-conditioned and well screened home. He/she should wear protective clothing such as, long-sleeved shirt, full pants, socks and shoes. While travelling, it is also mandatory to use mosquito repellent containing at least 10 percent concentration of DEET. After taking the precautionary measures, even if one experiences the symptoms of dengue fever, it is highly advised to opt for a check-up and blood test immediately!
The author is a renowned health blogger and writes well-researched health related articles and blogs. His recent piece of content, - 'symptoms of dengue fever' is highly informational in nature.