Dengue Fever: Symptoms and Causes
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is caused by a virus that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The symptoms of dengue fever usually begin four to six days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are:
- High fever (104°F/40°C)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
In some cases, dengue fever can develop into a more severe form called dengue hemorrhagic fever. This form of the disease is characterized by bleeding, low blood pressure, and shock. Dengue hemorrhagic fever can be fatal.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent dengue fever, including:
- Avoiding mosquito bites
- Using insect repellent
- Wearing long sleeves and pants
- Sleeping under a mosquito net
- Eliminating mosquito breeding sites
If you think you may have dengue fever, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
Here are some additional information about dengue fever:
- Dengue fever is a major public health problem. It is estimated that there are 50 million cases of dengue fever each year, and 22,000 deaths.
- Dengue fever is most common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. However, it is becoming more common in temperate areas as the climate changes.
- There is no vaccine for dengue fever. However, there are a number of things that can be done to prevent dengue fever, such as avoiding mosquito bites and using insect repellent.
- If you think you may have dengue fever, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
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