Summary
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms include high temperature and feeling generally unwell. Serious complications include dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. There is no specific medical treatment and no vaccine. The best way to protect against dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites when in affected areas.
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Dengue fever is a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It is a problem in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, South America and Australia. Estimates suggest that around 100 million cases occur each year.
Dengue fever ranges in severity from a mild flu-like illness through to a severe disease. Dengue fever can develop into the more severe forms of the illness, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
There is no specific treatment and no vaccine. The best way to protect against dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites when in affected tropical and subtropical areas.
Seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have contracted dengue fever. Early diagnosis and management of symptoms is critical to reduce the risk of complications and avoid further spread of the virus.
Cause of dengue fever
Dengue fever is caused by infection with one of four different viruses known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. All four viruses are capable of causing the complications of dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
Infection with one type gives you lifelong immunity to that particular dengue virus. However, the infection does not offer immunity to the other three types, so it is possible to contract dengue fever again. A person who has had dengue fever once is at increased risk of dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome if they get infected again.
Symptoms of dengue fever
The typical signs and symptoms of uncomplicated dengue fever may include:
high temperature within one week of infection
severe headache
pain behind the eyes
joint and muscle aches
metallic taste in the mouth
appetite loss
abdominal pain
nausea and vomiting
diarrhoea
generally feeling unwell (malaise)
skin rash that appears about four days after the onset of fever
depression.
In most cases, symptoms resolve within one to two weeks. Some people, however, take longer to recover and may struggle with lethargy and depression for weeks or even months.