Classic dengue fever, or “break bone fever,” is
characterized by acute onset of high fever 3–14 days
after the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms
include frontal headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgias,
arthralgias, hemorrhagic manifestations, rash, and
low white blood cell count. The patient also may complain
of anorexia and nausea. Acute symptoms, when present,
usually last about 1 week, but weakness, malaise, and
anorexia may persist for several weeks. A high proportion
of dengue infections produce no symptoms or minimal
symptoms, especially in children and those with no
previous history of having a dengue infection.
The main medical complications of classic dengue
fever are febrile seizures and dehydration.
Treatment of dengue fever emphasizes
• Relieving symptoms of pain. • Controlling fever. • Telling patients to avoid aspirin and other
nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications
because they may increase the risk for hemorrhage. • Reminding patients to drink more fluids,
especially when they have a high fever.