Health A to Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Dengue

Dengue is a viral mosquito-bite infection widespread in multiple regions of the world. Female mosquitos are the only carriers of the disease; primarily, Aedes aegypti transmits the dengue. These mosquitoes are also capable of spreading yellow fever, Mayaro, chikungunya, Zika virus, and other infections. Dengue is influenced by climate, environmental, and social factors throughout tropical regions.

Dengue found in

The dengue viral infection is found in parts of

  • Southeast Asia
  • The Caribbean
  • Indian subcontinent
  • Africa
  • Central and South America
  • Pacific Islands
  • Australia

Dengue symptoms

Symptoms of dengue surface suddenly after 5–8 days after the bite. The signs include:

Dengue found in
  • High temperature
  • Severe headache
  • Eye pain
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Red rashes
  • Sickness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain

These symptoms usually pass after one week, though you might feel the tiredness for weeks. In rare instances, dengue develops after the initial symptoms.

 

Dengue severeness

In some instances, dengue can potentially be life-threatening. Some signs of severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever are:

  • Stomach pain
  • Swollen stomach
  • Sickness and blood vomiting
  • Hard to breath
  • Clammy sold skin
  • Fast pulse
  • Drowsiness 

Dengue prevention

The following preventive steps can reduce the risks of getting a bite:

  • Use insect repellent with 50% DEET, but use repellent with 15–30% DEET on children.
  • Wear clothing that can cover your entire arms and legs.
  • Use mosquito nets for sleeping.
  • Visit a doctor before traveling to places that have more risk of dengue 

Dengue treatments

There is no particular cure for dengue, but you can relieve the symptoms till the infection leaves the body. The following steps may help: 

  • Consult a doctor and consider paracetamol to relieve pain
  • Don’t let yourself get dehydrated
  • Get some good rest

For personalized advice and support tailored to your health needs, consider our free doctor consultation service, where you can connect with experienced professionals ready to assist you.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022