Overview
Dengue is caused by a virus and is common in many warm parts of the world. It is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which often bite during the daytime. Many infections are mild, but some people develop severe dengue, which can lead to bleeding, shock, or organ problems.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, and tiredness. Symptoms usually begin a few days after a mosquito bite, though not everyone feels sick. Warning signs of severe dengue can appear as the fever starts to go down.
Causes and Risk Factors
Dengue is caused by any of four related dengue viruses. Risk is higher in places where dengue is common, especially during rainy seasons or where standing water allows mosquitoes to breed. Previous dengue infection, young age, older age, pregnancy, and some chronic health conditions may increase the chance of severe illness.
Who Is Affected
People living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical regions can get dengue. It affects children and adults. Communities with limited mosquito control, crowded housing, or unreliable access to clean water storage may have higher exposure to mosquito bites.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and reducing mosquito breeding sites. Wear long sleeves and trousers when possible, use insect repellent as directed on the label, and use screens, nets, or air-conditioned spaces when available. Empty or cover containers that collect water, such as buckets, tires, and plant trays.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may suspect dengue based on symptoms, travel or exposure history, and the local spread of disease. Blood tests can help confirm the infection and monitor for complications such as low platelet counts or signs of plasma leakage. Early assessment is important because severe dengue can develop quickly.
Treatment Categories
There is no specific antiviral treatment for most dengue infections, so care focuses on monitoring and supportive treatment. This may include rest, fluids, and medical supervision to watch for dehydration or signs of severe disease. People with warning signs or severe dengue may need hospital care.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care promptly if you have fever and symptoms of dengue after living in or traveling to an area where dengue occurs. It is especially important to get checked if symptoms worsen after the fever begins to improve. Children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with other health conditions may need closer monitoring.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help right away for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, extreme weakness, restlessness, confusion, pale or clammy skin, or fainting. These can be signs of severe dengue or shock. Emergency care is also needed if a person cannot keep fluids down or shows signs of dehydration.