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Dengue fever, caused by one of four dengue virus (DENV) types, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It is not spread person-to-person, except from a pregnant woman to her child. Initial infections usually cause mild symptoms, but subsequent infections with different DENV types increase the risk of severe complications. Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne viral illness globally, with tens of millions of cases and approximately 20,000 to 25,000 deaths annually, predominantly among children.
Synopsis
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Dengue Symptoms of dengue fever can vary in severity, with about 75% of individuals not experiencing any symptoms at all.
Mild symptoms last 2–7 days, and most individuals feel better after one week. However, the fever may spike, vanish for 24 hours, then start again.
Severe symptoms may persist 24 to 48 hours later or around 3 to 7 days after the onset of illness. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, immediate medical attention is a must. It’s because severe signs and symptoms can indicate DHF/Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), potentially fatal.
Consult our emergency care hospital in Malleshwaram if you are experiencing severe dengue symptoms.
Prioritization Guidelines for Dengue Fever
Proper triage for dengue patients is essential to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care based on the severity of their symptoms and risk factors. The healthcare provides:
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Immediate attention for patients with signs of severe dengue, such as shock or significant bleeding.
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Moderate symptoms require prompt but less urgent care for dengue outbreak management.
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Mild symptoms can be managed with regular monitoring.
High Risk Factors to Consider
The following are the high-risk factors associated with dengue fever:
Age
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Infants: Require urgent care due to their vulnerability and developing immune systems.
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Elderly: Need prompt attention due to potential frailty and existing health issues.
Underlying Conditions
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Chronic Illnesses: Patients with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension are at higher risk and need better monitoring.
Pregnancy
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Pregnant Women: Careful monitoring and prioritisation are required to ensure the safety of the mother and child.
To determine if the illness is due to infection with the dengue virus, the doctors review:
1. Patient’s Medical History
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Previous episodes of dengue or similar infections
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Chronic illnesses or immune disorders
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Recent use of medications or supplements
2. Patient's Place of Residence or Recent Travel History:
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Residence or recent travel to areas with dengue outbreaks
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Recent visits to high-risk regions
3. Vaccination Records
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Vaccinations for dengue, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis.
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Recent or lack of relevant vaccinations.
4. Symptom Assessment
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Onset, duration, and nature of symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain, etc.)
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Severity and progression of symptoms.
5. Exposure History
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Recent mosquito bites or known outbreaks
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Outdoor activities or environmental changes increase mosquito exposure
6. Family and Social History
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Recent illnesses among close contacts
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Communal gatherings with potential exposure
The Importance of Dengue Early Detection
The following are the key benefits of early dengue testing:
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Prompt Treatment: Early dengue testing helps doctors start dengue fever management quickly, manage dehydration, and prevent serious complications. New antiviral drugs work best when given early.
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Preventing Severe Complications: Testing early can avoid severe forms of dengue, like dengue hemorrhagic fever. Recognising symptoms like severe pain, vomiting, and bleeding early allows for quick treatment, reducing the risk of death significantly.
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Stopping the Spread: Early diagnosis helps control the spread of dengue by allowing for prompt mosquito control and faster recovery.
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Differentiating from Other Illnesses: Early testing helps distinguish dengue from other illnesses with similar symptoms, like typhoid and malaria, ensuring proper treatment and preventing mistakes.
Dengue diagnosis involves 4 key tests:
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NS1 Antigen Test: Detects the NS1 protein released during acute dengue infection. This test is most reliable within the first seven days of symptoms and is useful for early diagnosis.
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PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Identifies the genetic material of the Dengue virus. PCR for dengue is highly accurate and ideal for detecting the virus within 0-5 days of symptom onset, providing detailed insights into the infection's nature and stage.
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Serology Tests (IgM/IgG Antibodies): IgM Antibodies: Indicate recent infection, detectable 4-5 days after onset, peaking around day 7. It is useful for determining if the infection is new.
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IgG Antibodies: Reveal past exposure or ongoing infection, detectable after the 4th day and persisting long-term. These help understand whether the infection is a new occurrence or a recurrence.
Dengue Fever Treatment Strategies
The primary aim of dengue treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and support the patient's recovery. Here are some key dengue fever management options:
Rest and Hydration
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Adequate rest is essential for recovery, as dengue fever can be physically draining.
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Dehydration is a common complication of dengue fever. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear soups.
Pain Management
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Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate fever and pain.
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Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they may boost the chances of bleeding.
Monitoring and Medical Care
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Regularly check your temperature and platelet count. A sudden drop in platelet count may necessitate hospitalisation.
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Seek prompt medical attention if you experience warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums, persistent vomiting, or difficulty breathing
Community Education and Follow-Up
An approved vaccine for dengue fever doesn’t exist. Travellers should follow dengue prevention strategies to avoid mosquito bites.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
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Wear long-sleeved clothes and long pants.
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Use mosquito nets if you sleep during the day; nets treated with repellent are best.
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Install window screens.
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Apply mosquito repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.
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Use mosquito coils and vaporisers.
Preventing Mosquito Breeding
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Remove items that collect water, like old tyres and containers.
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Clean and cover water storage containers weekly.
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Dispose of waste properly.
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Use insecticides on outdoor water containers if needed.
If You Get Dengue
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Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
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Use over-the-counter acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain.
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Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin.
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Watch for severe symptoms and visit an experienced emergency care doctor in Malleshwaram if they occur.
Conclusion
Early detection of dengue fever is crucial for timely treatment, decreasing the risk of severe complications and improving outcomes. It also helps prevent virus spread by enabling swift mosquito control measures and reduces the strain on healthcare systems and economies by preventing large outbreaks.
Stay vigilant, get tested early if you suspect dengue, and promote awareness to protect yourself and your community. Promptly consult your doctor if any of the symptoms appear in you or your loved ones.
FAQ's
Here’s a list of a few of the foods packed with essential nutrients and vitamins which ensure a speedy recovery from Dengue:
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Turmeric
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Fenugreek (methi)
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A mix of herbs like tulsi, giloy, ashwagandha, ginger, and aloe vera.
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Pomegranates
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Coconut Water
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Orange
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Broccoli
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Spinach
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Kiwi
Recovering from a dengue attack is very tough. Though there are no specific dietary restrictions, you can build an easy and fruitful recovery process by adhering to a diet that is less oily and spicy.
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Try to consume food items that are easy to digest.
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Avoid non-vegetarian food.
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Avoid Caffeinated beverages.
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Increase fluid intake and consume warm water instead of normal water.
Severe cases of dengue fever can cause death in addition to shock and internal bleeding. Pregnant women and newborns/ infants are at high risk of developing severe dengue. Among people affected by dengue, 5% (one in 20 affected members) have a risk of severe dengue, and patients affected for the second time have a higher chance of contracting severe dengue.
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