Health Feed

Dengue: causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention

 

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects millions of people every year, especially during the rainy and post-monsoon seasons. It is spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are most active during the daytime. Early diagnosis and proper medical care can help prevent serious complications.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are four different types (serotypes) of the virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. A person can be infected more than once because infection with one serotype does not provide lifelong protection against the others.

Causes of Dengue

Dengue is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The disease does not spread directly from person to person.

Common factors that increase the risk of dengue include:

• Stagnant water around homes
• Open water containers
• Coolers, flower pots, and discarded tyres filled with water
• Rainy and humid weather
• Living in areas where dengue outbreaks occur

Symptoms of Dengue

Symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain ("breakbone fever")
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Fatigue and weakness
• Mild bleeding from the gums or nose
• Easy bruising

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Extreme weakness or restlessness
• Cold or clammy skin
• Drowsiness or confusion

These may indicate severe dengue, which requires urgent hospital care.

Diagnosis

Doctors may recommend the following tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• NS1 Antigen Test (early infection)
• Dengue IgM and IgG Antibody Tests
• Platelet Count
• Hematocrit (HCT)

Early testing helps confirm the diagnosis and monitor disease progression.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

Doctors may recommend:

• Adequate rest
• Plenty of fluids (water, ORS, coconut water, soups)
• Paracetamol for fever and pain (only as advised)
• Regular monitoring of platelet count and hydration

Foods to Eat During Dengue

A nutritious and hydrating diet supports recovery.

Recommended foods include:

• Fresh fruits
• Coconut water
• ORS
• Lemon water
• Vegetable soup
• Khichdi
• Dal
• Rice
• Yoghurt (if tolerated)
• Protein-rich foods during recovery

How to Prevent Dengue

The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Prevention Tips

• Remove stagnant water from coolers, flower pots, buckets, and tyres.
• Cover water storage containers.
• Use mosquito repellents.
• Wear full-sleeved clothing.
• Install window screens and mosquito nets where appropriate.
• Keep your surroundings clean.
• Support community mosquito-control efforts.

Can Dengue Be Prevented with a Vaccine?

Dengue vaccines are available in some countries for specific groups of people. Their use depends on local public health recommendations, age, previous dengue infection, and other factors. Vaccination policies vary by country, so consult a healthcare professional or local health authority for guidance.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Consult a doctor immediately if:

• Fever lasts more than two days.
• You experience severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting.
• Bleeding occurs from the gums or nose.
• You have difficulty breathing.
• You feel unusually weak or dizzy.

You are pregnant, elderly, or have chronic medical conditions and develop dengue symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is dengue contagious?

No. Dengue does not spread directly from one person to another. It spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

2. How many days does dengue fever last?

The fever usually lasts 2–7 days, but weakness may continue for several weeks.

3. Is a low platelet count always dangerous?

Not necessarily. Doctors evaluate platelet count together with symptoms, bleeding, hydration status, and other blood test results.

4. Can children get dengue?

Yes. People of all ages, including children, can develop dengue.

5. Can dengue occur more than once?

Yes. Because there are four dengue virus serotypes, a person can be infected more than once during their lifetime.

Dengue is a preventable disease, but it can become serious if warning signs are ignored. Recognizing the symptoms early, staying well hydrated, following your doctor's advice, and preventing mosquito breeding are the best ways to reduce the risk of severe illness. If you or a family member develops a high fever with severe body aches during dengue season, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Need expert medical advice? Visit BestDoctorForMe.com to connect with experienced doctors and access reliable healthc

  Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects millions of people every year, especially during the rainy and post-monsoon seasons. It is spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are most active during the daytime. Early diagnosis and proper medical care can help prevent serious complications. What is Dengue? Dengue is a viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are four different types (serotypes) of the virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, a...