Dengue Fever: 9 Warning Signs, Causes, And Treatment

Dengue fever is an illness caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, specifically the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This viral infection occurs from various virus strains (DENV-1 to DENV-4) which can lead to flu-like or threatening life conditions. People with weakened immunity or a second or subsequent dengue fever are at a higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever. It can be a high-risk disease unless early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment are initiated, preventing severe complications. Here are the possible causes, danger signs, and treatment options for dengue fever.

Causes Of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by one of the four dengue viruses (DENV). These viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of an infected mosquito. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are among the most common types of mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue fever.

These mosquitoes are generally found in tropical and subtropical regions such as Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America, and Africa. When bitten by an infected mosquito, the virus initially enters the bloodstream, targeting the liver, and then propagating to other organs. There, it impairs the liver’s functioning, accumulating toxins in the blood, resulting in several health issues like muscle pain, fever, headache, and rash. If early intervention is not initiated, its severity may cause liver failure.

Warning Signs Of Dengue Fever

The signs and symptoms of dengue fever first show up after 4 to 6 days and may persist for up to 10 days. These may include:

• Experiencing sudden, high fever (105 degrees)
• Severe headaches
• Pain behind the eyes
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash, which may appear 3 to 5 days after the onset of fever
• Mild bleeding (such as a nosebleed, bleeding gums, or bruising)
• Mild dengue fever symptoms can often be mistaken for flu or other viral infections. If the symptoms persist even after three days, immediately consider diagnosis.

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Treatment Options For Dengue Fever

If you suspect dengue fever, promptly seek medical assistance. Treatment options include:

Hospitalisation: Severe cases may need hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, monitoring, and supportive care to manage complications such as severe bleeding and shock.

Supportive Care: This includes rest, maintaining hydration, and using acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.

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Identifying the signs of dengue fever during the early stages helps ensure quick recovery and minimal life-threatening risks. Keep watch for any unusual symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if required.

Credits: Freepik

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