A viral infection spread by mosquitoes called dengue fever is still spreading quickly all over the world. It has been known to cause a wide range of illnesses, from an infection that is almost entirely asymptomatic to severe flu-like symptoms. Rarely, some people may experience severe dengue, which, if not treated properly, can be fatal.

  • Through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, dengue viruses are transmitted to people. These mosquitoes can transmit other viruses like Zika and chikungunya.
  • 4 billion people, or close to half of the world's population, reside in dengue-risk areas. In risky areas, dengue is frequently the main cause of illness.
  • Dengue affects up to 400 million people annually. A hundred million people worldwide contract an infection and severe dengue causes 40,000 fatalities.
  • One of the four closely related dengue viruses—dengue viruses 1, 2, 3, and 4—causes the disease. Because of this, a person may contract the dengue virus up to four times in a lifetime.

Symptoms Of Dengue Fever


The typical onset of symptoms of dengue fever is 4 to 6 days after infection, and they can last up to 10 days. Mild to severe symptoms are possible. Other illnesses that cause fever, aches, pains, and rashes can be mistaken for the symptoms.

The following are some of the most typical symptoms of dengue fever:

  • Sudden, high fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin rash (which may appear 2 – 5 days after the onset of fever)
  • Fatigue
  • Severe headaches
  • Backaches and severe body aches

Additionally, there are cautionary signs to be aware of that could point to severe dengue. These cautionary signs typically appear 24 to 48 hours after the fever has subsided. Within a few hours, severe dengue can be fatal, necessitating hospitalization:

  • Abdomen or stomach pain or tenderness
  • Vomiting repeatedly while dehydrated
  • Having blood in one's stools or vomiting blood
  • Feeling worn out, restless, or aggravated
  • Low platelets with bleeding in the nose, brain, gums, muscles, joints, and stomach (dengue hemorrhage fever)
  • Blood pressure drops or hypotension (dengue shock syndrome)
  • Confusion and fainting episodes

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Causes Of Dengue Fever


Causes of dengue fever include:

  • Any one of the four dengue virus types can cause dengue fever.
  • Being around someone who has dengue fever won't cause you to contract it.
  • In contrast, mosquito bites are how dengue fever is transmitted.

The two mosquito species that spread dengue viruses most frequently are widespread in and around residential areas. The dengue virus enters the mosquito when it bites a person who is infected with it. The virus then enters the bloodstream of the person who is bitten by the infected mosquito and causes an infection.


Once you have recovered from dengue fever, you are immune to the virus type that caused your infection for life, but not to the other three types that cause dengue fever. This implies that one of the other three virus types could infect you once more in the future. In the event that you contract dengue fever a second, third, or fourth time, your risk of developing severe dengue fever rises.


Treatment Of Dengue Fever


No specific treatment of dengue fever exists. Treatment of dengue fever involves managing the symptoms.

While recovering from dengue fever, drink plenty of fluids. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of dehydration:

  • Decreased urination
  • Few or no tears
  • Dry mouth or lips
  • Lethargy or confusion
  • Cold or clammy extremities

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You should:

  • Drink plenty water which help prevent dehydration
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Using pain relief, such as Tylenol or paracetamol, this can also help reduce fever

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen are not suitable as they can increase the risk of internal bleeding.

If you have severe dengue fever, you may need:

  • Supportive care in a hospital
  • Intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolyte replacement
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Transfusion to replace blood loss

Conclusion

Dengue affects hundreds of millions of people each year. The idea of severe dengue can be frightening, even though the majority of cases are mild or even symptomless. Even a word for an evil spirit that was thought to be the disease's cause may have inspired the word "dengue."

Fortunately, you can take precautions to lower your risk of mosquito bites and watch out for the severe dengue's warning signs. Make sure you know where to go for emergency medical care if you get sick while traveling. As long as you receive prompt medical attention, you will probably recover if you become seriously ill with dengue.


Please book an appointment with the Best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03100002273 to find a verified doctor for your disease.


Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/dengue-fever-symptoms-causes-and-treatments