- What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is caused by one of four closely related dengue viruses (DENV-1 to DENV-4), which belong to the flavivirus family.
- 2. How is dengue fever transmitted?
Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Less commonly, it can be spread through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or from mother to child during pregnancy.
- 3. What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Symptoms typically appear 4–7 days after infection and may include:
- High fever (up to 104°F/40°C)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle, joint, and bone pain (often called "breakbone fever")
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash (appears 3–4 days after fever starts)
- Mild bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding)
- 4. Is dengue fever contagious?
Dengue is not directly contagious from person to person. It spreads only through mosquito bites or, rarely, through blood products.
- 5. How is dengue fever diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, travel history, and laboratory tests such as:
- NS1 antigen test (for early infection)
- Serology (IgM/IgG antibodies)
- PCR (for viral RNA)
- 6. What is the treatment for dengue fever?
There is no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care includes:
- Rest and hydration (oral or IV fluids)
- Pain and fever control (avoid NSAIDs like aspirin/ibuprofen)
- Monitoring for warning signs of severe dengue (e.g., persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding)
- 7. Can dengue fever be prevented?
Prevention focuses on mosquito control and personal protection:
- Eliminate standing water (mosquito breeding sites)
- Use insect repellent (DEET, picaridin)
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Use bed nets and screens
- 8. What is severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever)?
Severe dengue is a life-threatening complication, characterized by:
- Plasma leakage (leading to shock)
- Severe bleeding
- Organ impairment
- Requires urgent medical care
- 9. Who is at risk for severe dengue?
Risk factors include:
- Second infection with a different dengue serotype
- Young children and elderly
- People with chronic diseases
- 10. Is there a vaccine for dengue?
Yes, the Dengvaxia vaccine is approved for people aged 9–45 who have had a prior dengue infection. It is not recommended for first-time infections due to potential risk of severe disease.
- 11. How long does dengue fever last?
Symptoms usually last 2–7 days. Recovery is typically complete, but fatigue may persist for weeks.
- 12. Can you get dengue fever more than once?
Yes, because there are four distinct serotypes. Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that strain but only partial protection against others.
- 13. What should you do if you suspect dengue?
- Rest and hydrate
- Avoid NSAIDs (use acetaminophen for fever/pain)
- Seek medical care if symptoms worsen (e.g., severe pain, bleeding, dehydration)
- 14. Is dengue fever common in the U.S.?
Cases are rare in the continental U.S., but travelers to endemic areas (e.g., Southeast Asia, Latin America) are at risk.
- 15. What is the global burden of dengue?
Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries, with an estimated 100–400 million infections annually. It is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in tropical regions.