Dengue: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Dengue symptoms depend on the severity of the illness. Around 75% of people with dengue fever will not show any symptoms.

Mild symptoms

If symptoms appear, there may be a fever of approximately 104°F (40°C) with one or more of the following:

Symptoms usually last between 2 to 7 days, and most people feel better after a week. Fever may spike, disappear for 24 hoursthen prick again.

Serious symptoms

Between 0.5% and 5% of cases dengue become serious. If this happens, it can be life-threatening.

First, fever usually falls between 99.5 and 100.4°F (37.5 to 38°C). Severe symptoms may then appear 24 to 48 hours later, or towards 3 to 7 days after the person starts to feel unwell.

They understand:

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms needs immediate medical attention.

Severe signs and symptoms may indicate DSS or DHF. They are potentially fatal.

Here are some images that can help identify dengue fever.

Four viruses can cause dengue fever. They are all transmitted either by the Aedes aegypti the mosquito or, more rarely, the Aedes albopictus mosquito.

These mosquito species live in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, including parts of Infection rates in the United States have increased in recent decades, particularly in urban areas.

A mosquito carrying the virus transmits it to a human by biting them. When another mosquito bites a person with this disease, it detects it. The mosquito will then transmit the virus to the next person it bites.

A person can have dengue more than one time. They will become immune to the specific virus that caused it, but they will not be immune to the other three viruses.

A person is at risk of contracting dengue fever if they live or travel to an area where dengue fever is prevalent and where mosquitoes that can carry it live.

Dengue appears in more than 100 countries through:

• North and South America
• South East Asia
• the Pacific Islands
• Australia
• Africa
• the eastern Mediterranean

About 70% of cases occur in Asia.

Among American citizens, in most cases occur in:

• Porto Rico
• the American Virgin Islands
• American Samoa

Americans are more likely to contract the infection while traveling. However, local transmission is possible in many areas of the United States because the mosquitoes that transmit it live there.

The signs and symptoms of dengue are similar to some other diseases such as flu And malaria. This can make diagnosis difficult.

A doctor will most likely:

• assess symptoms
• ask questions about the person’s medical and travel history
• order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis

In May 2019, the FDA approved the first dengue vaccine. It can prevent dengue fever caused by all four viruses.

It is aimed at people who:

• are aged 9 to 16
• have had dengue in the past
• live in areas where dengue is common, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

People who are not eligible for the vaccine can reduce their risk by taking steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Advice include:

• wear clothes that cover the body
• use mosquito repellent on the body
• use mosquito nets
• use window and door screens
• treat camping gear or clothing with insect repellent before use
• if possible, avoid being outside at dawn, dusk and early evening
• eliminate any standing water around the house and avoid camping near still water
• check that drains, flower pots and other items are not collecting water

What are the best natural mosquito repellents?

Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes dengue fever. Most people have no symptoms. However, if this is the case, the symptoms are often mild. In some cases, dengue can be life-threatening.

Symptoms include fever, aches and pains, and a rash. A person with more severe symptoms may begin to vomit persistently or have bleeding gums or nose, among other symptoms. Severe dengue requires immediate medical attention.