Dengue Fever is a live mosquito viral infection with an effect on millions of people around the world, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Being aware of the Dengue fever symptoms will help us detect dengue early and get timely treatment. This article discusses the early warning signs, possible causes and treatment options, including effective prevention strategies.So please visit a doctor first and get yourself checked up whenever you notice Dengue Fever Symptoms.
What is Dengue Fever?
The four serotypes of the dengue virus / Dengue Fever Symptoms, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, which belong to the Flaviviridae family, are the causative agents of dengue fever. A viral infection most frequently contracted through bites of infected Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes.
Dengue Fever Symptoms: Early and Severe Signs
Just like with any illness, with dengue fever there are different stages with various symptoms depending on how advanced of an infection it is.
Early Symptoms of Dengue Fever
The first signs usually show up between 4 to 10 days after a person has been bitten by a mosquito. These signs are:
- High fever (104°F/40°C)
- Â Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain which is often refered to as breakbone fever
- Nausea and vomitting
- Skin rash – it usually appears a few days after the fever starts
- Feeling weak and tired
- Mild bleeding – eg. Nosebleeds or gum bleeding.
Severe Dengue Symptoms (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever & Dengue Shock Syndrome)
In some instances, the fever can sharpen to a more lethal form of dengue fever which is called severe dengue fever. The individual is at serious risk and could be fatal in extreme cases. The warning signs include:
- Regular vomiting
- Intense pain in the belly
- Trouble with respirating
- Internal hemorrhaging signified by black feces or blood present in urine
- Reduced blood platelets causing uncontrollable bruising
- Abrupt fall in blood pressure which can lead to fainting
Medical help must be sought immediately if any of these signs present themselves.
Causes of Dengue Fever
Health attention should be pursued immediately when any of these indicators arise:
- Transmission Through Mosquito Bites– An Aedes mosquito injects the virus through infected bites.Â
- Transmission From Human To Mosquito- A person with a dengue virus is bitten and the mosquito, thus, gets infected.
- External Conditions- Urbanization, along with warm temperatures and stagnant water, assists in breeding more mosquitos.
- Immuno-Deficiency: Severely ill individuals with weakened immune systems are more at risk.
Severe Dengue Treatment and Management
Antiviral treatment for dengue fever does not exist because it does not have a specific antiviral medicne for it. Nevertheless, miscellaneous symptom management is possible with minimal outpatient medical care and healthcare provider support.
Home Treatment for Mild Dengue Cases
For less serious cases, health care professionals suggest:
- Drinking lots of fluids to ensure proper hydration
- Taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) for any painful fever (do not assume aspirin or ibuprofen as they increase chances of heavy bleeding)
- Resting sufficiently to give the body time to recuperate
- Keeping track of the symptoms in case of any negative developments.
Hospital Treatment for Severe Dengue
In the case of severe dengue, admission to a health facility is imperative. The following therapeutic approaches may be pursued:
- Replacement of IV fluids to sustain blood pressureÂ
- Transfusion of blood products in case of critically low plateletsÂ
- Use of oxygen for patients with pulmonary problemsÂ
- Staff supervision to attend to other issues that may arise
Dengue Prevention and Control Measures
Dengue fever is prevented through the adoption of personal protective measures and community initiatives. Some of the preventive measures are given below:
Personal Protection
- Apply repellants that contains DEET or Picardin. Â
- Minimize the chances of mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothing. Â
- Sleep with a mosquito net especially in high risk areas.
Environmental Control
- Remove any stagnant water collected on flower pots, tires, or containers that may serve as habitats for mosquito reproduction.Â
- Utilize mosquito-destroying chemicals in places with stored water.Â
- Organize public cleanup campaigns aimed at minimizing local mosquito incubating areas.
Vaccination
- In some nations, the Dengvaxia vaccine is accessible for people who have had a dengue infection at least once.Â
- For further information on vaccination alternatives, consult your healthcare professional.
Dengue virus classification
The viral pathogen Dengue virus (DENV) represents a member of the Flaviviridae family as well as the Flavivirus genus. The four DENV serotypes include DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 along with DENV-4 and they result in different levels of severity for dengue fever. The DENV virus exists as a single-stranded RNA pathogen while its principal vectors include mosquitoes of both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species.
Final Thoughts
The identification and management of a serious viral illness like dengue fever symptoms must be done in a timely manner. Recognizing the symptoms, knowing when to get medical help, and taking prevention measures can greatly minimize the severity of the condition. It’s possible to fight dengue fever and lessen its dissemination through self-defense, community initiatives, and appropriate medical care.
