Dengue

Dengue fever, which is spread by mosquitoes, is common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Female mosquitoes, primarily of the species Aedes aegypti and albopictus, are the major carriers of the dengue virus. These mosquitoes are also carriers of the zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses. A high fever and flu-like symptoms are brought on by mild dengue fever. The severe variety of dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can result in severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock), and even death.

Any of the following signs and symptoms may accompany a temperature of 104 F (40 C) caused by dengue fever:

• Headache
• Muscle, bone, or joint pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain behind the eyes
• Swollen glands
• Rash

Most people return to normal in a week. Sometimes, symptoms get worse and might even be fatal. It's referred to as severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome). When your blood vessels are harmed and leaky, severe dengue occurs. The number of platelets in your blood also decreases. Shock, haemorrhaging, organ failure, and even death could result from this.

A life-threatening illness, severe dengue fever can manifest early warning signals. The warning signals, which typically start within the first day or two after your fever has subsided, may include:

• Blood in your urine, stools, or vomit
• Severe stomach pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding from the gums or nose
• Fatigue
• Irritability or restlessness
• Under-the-skin bleeding that resembles bruising
• Severe stomach pain

There is no particular drug that can be used to treat dengue. The two main defences against dengue are avoiding mosquito bites and receiving a vaccination. If you've already experienced dengue, you should only acquire the dengue vaccine (DengvaxiaTM). Your risk of getting a severe case of dengue may be reduced if you later get a different strain of the virus. If you have never had dengue, it is not advisable to obtain the vaccine.