Dengue Fever

Definition

Dengue fever is a viral infection. It can range from mild to severe and life-threatening,

Causes

An infected mosquito passes the virus through a bite to the skin. The virus enters the blood. It spreads throughout the body.

Mosquito Bite

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Risk Factors

The risk for dengue fever higher for those who live in or travel to:

• Southeast Asia
• Western Pacific
• Americas
• Eastern Mediterranean
• Africa

Symptoms

Some people do not have symptoms. Others may have a mild, flu-like illness. Symptoms may be:

• Fever and chills
• Headache or eye pain
• Muscle or bone pain
• Red or purple spots in skin
• Minor bleeding in the nose or gums
• Nausea or vomiting

Serious signs are:

• Severe belly pain
• Frequent vomiting
• Bleeding from the gums or nose that is hard to stop
• Black tarry stools or blood in the urine
• Tiredness or restlessness
• Problems breathing
• Pale, cold, or clammy skin
• Feeling faint

A serious infection can lead to shock and organ failure.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, and health and travel history. A physical exam and blood tests may be done.

A tourniquet test may be done to check for bleeding under the skin. This test uses an inflated blood pressure cuff on the upper arm for 5 minutes.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the illness is. It may include rest and replacing fluids by mouth or IV.

In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be given.

Prevention

The risk of infection may be reduced by mosquito control measures. A dengue vaccine is available in some countries.