What You Need to Know About Dengue — Symptoms, Diagnosis & Protection

Dengue fever continues to be one of the most significant mosquito-borne diseases globally, affecting nearly 390 million people annually. With the monsoon season approaching and urbanization creating breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, understanding dengue’s symptoms, diagnosis, and protecting measures has become more critical than ever. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the essential information about dengue and protect yourself and your family.

Understanding Dengue: The Basics

Dengue is a viral infection caused by any of four closely related dengue viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Unlike malaria mosquitoes that are active at night, dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active during daylight hours, particularly during early morning and late afternoon. The disease presents a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe, life-threatening conditions. What makes dengue particularly concerning is that people infected for the second time are at greater risk of developing severe complications.

Recognizing Dengue Symptoms

Dengue symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last for 2-7 days. The most common early symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever (often reaching 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe headaches, particularly frontal headaches
• Pain behind the eyes that worsens with eye movement
• Muscle and joint pains throughout the body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite and taste
• Skin rash that appears 2-5 days after fever onset
• Swollen glands

Many people might mistake these early symptoms for the flu or other viral infections, which is why proper medical evaluation is crucial.

Severe Dengue Symptoms – When to Seek Emergency Help

About 1 in 20 people who contact dengue will develop severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Warning signs typically appear 24-48 hours after the fever subsides and require immediate medical attentions:

• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
• Persistent vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
• Bleeding from nose, gums, or in vomit/stool
• Rapid, weak pulse and difficulty breathing
• Extreme restlessness or irritability
• Feeling very thirsty with dry mouth
• Cold, clammy skin

These severe symptoms can progress to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and death within hours, making immediate medical intervention critical.

Diagnosis Methods & Testings

Diagnosing dengue can be challenging since its symptoms mimic other diseases like malaria, typhoid, and Zika virus. Healthcare providers use several diagnostic methods depending on the stage of illness:

For Early Detection (First 7 days):

• RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction): This molecular test can detect dengue virus RNA and identify the specific serotype with 80-100% sensitivity
• NS1 Antigen Test: Detects the dengue virus protein NS1, which circulates in blood during early infection

For Later Detection (After day 5):

• IgM Antibody Test: Detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to dengue infection
• IgG Antibody Test: Used to determine past infections or secondary dengue cases

Modern Diagnostic Advances

Recent advances in dengue diagnostics include real-time RT-PCR assays that provide faster results and can quantify viral load. The FDA has approved specific assays like the CDC DENV-1-4 Real-Time RT-PCR Multiplex assay, which shows 97.2% positive agreement in studies. Additionally, newer methods like CRISPR-based detection and point-of-care testing are being developed to make diagnosis more accessible, especially in resource-limited settings.

Protection and Prevention Strategies

The most effective way to prevent dengue is avoiding mosquito bites. Here are evidence-based protection strategies:

Clothing and Physical Barriers:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during peak mosquito hours
• Choose light-colored clothing as mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets when sleeping during the day
• Install window and door screens to prevent mosquito entry

Mosquito Repellents:

• Apply repellents containing DEET (10% or higher), picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin
• Icaridine-based repellents provide 10-12 hours protection and are safe for pregnant women
• Reapply repellent as directed on the product label

Environmental Control

Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. The most effective prevention involves eliminating these breeding grounds:

• Empty water containers regularly, including flower pots, buckets, and pet bowls
• Clean gutters and ensure proper drainage
• Cover water storage containers tightly
• Remove unused containers that can collect rainwater
• Change water in flower vases every alternate day and scrub the containers
• Check air conditioning units for water accumulation

Community-Level Measures:

• Support vector control programs in your area
• Participate in community awareness campaigns
• Report stagnant water sources to local authorities

Treatment and Management

There’s no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management focuses on supportive care and symptom relief:

For Mild Cases:

• Rest and adequate fluid intake
• Acetaminophen (paracetamol) for fever and pain relief (10-15 mg/kg dose, 4-6 times daily for children)
• Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs as they increase bleeding risk
• Monitor for warning signs continuously

For Severe Cases:

• Immediate hospitalization
• Intravenous fluid replacement to prevent shock
• Blood transfusion if severe bleeding occurs
• Platelet transfusion if counts drop below 20,000 cells per microliter

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• High fever with any dengue symptoms after recent travel to endemic areas
• Warning signs of severe dengue as described above
• Persistent symptoms that worsen after initial improvement

Even with mild symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and monitoring. Early detection and proper medical management significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Dengue prevention requires a multi-pronged approach that includes personal protection, environmental management, and community awareness. While dengue can be serious, early recognition of symptoms and timely medical care can greatly reduce complications. For comprehensive dengue management, Shalby Hospital stands as the Best Hospital in Ahmedabad, offering advanced diagnostic facilities and specialized care. With a team of top Internal Medicine specialists, Shalby ensures accurate diagnosis, expert treatment, and personalized monitoring. Trust Shalby Hospital for reliable, patient-centered dengue care that prioritizes your safety and recovery.