Understanding and Managing Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Dengue fever is a severe and potentially life-threatening mosquito-borne illness primarily found in tropical and subtropical areas.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

Symptoms of Dengue Fever:

High fever (104°F or 40°C) Severe headache Muscle, bone, or joint pain (commonly referred to as 'breakbone fever') Nausea and vomiting FileInfo_sign of eyes ($crastics) Swollen glands Rash

Severe cases of dengue fever, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, can have life-threatening complications. These include:

Internal bleeding and organ damage Severe abdominal pain and persistent vomiting Bleeding from the gums, nose, or other bodily functions Blood in urine, stools, or vomit Bruising or bleeding under the skin Difficult or rapid breathing Severe fatigue and irritability

Diagnosis: Symptoms of dengue fever can be easily confused with those of other diseases, such as chikungunya, Zika virus, malaria, and typhoid fever. Your doctor will ask about your medical and travel history and may draw a blood sample for testing in a lab to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Dengue Fever

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. However, managing the symptoms is crucial:

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce pain and fever. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen as they may increase the risk of bleeding. If symptoms worsen and become life-threatening, seek medical attention immediately. In severe cases, hospitalization with intravenous (IV) fluids and blood pressure monitoring may be necessary.

While there is no cure for dengue fever, researchers are working on developing vaccines. As of now, one vaccine, Dengvaxia, is approved for individuals who have had at least one previous dengue infection.

Prevention Strategies for Dengue Fever

Vaccination: Dengvaxia is approved for people aged 9 to 45 who have had at least one previous dengue infection. It should only be administered to those with documented seropositivity (previous dengue infection). Personal Protection: Use mosquito repellent containing at least 10% DEET, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, and stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation. Environmental Control: Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs by cleaning containers, animal dishes, and flower vases weekly. Use permethrin on clothing and household items.

Travelers and residents in high-risk areas should be vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid becoming infected with dengue fever.