Dengue fever is one of the viral diseases that have become a cause of concern in many countries of the world due to its rapid spread and the complications that may accompany it in some cases. This disease is transmitted through mosquito bites, which makes it an environmental hazard before it is healthy. With the rise in temperatures and the spread of vectors, dengue fever has become one of the difficulties facing health systems, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In the coming lines with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we will take you on a comprehensive tour to understand everything related to this disease, from its causes and symptoms to...

What is dengue fever

 It is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is considered one of the common tropical diseases in hot and humid regions. Fever is also caused by one of four types of dengue viruses, which means that a person may be infected with it more than once during his life. It is also known as broken bone fever. It is known by this name because of the severe pain it causes in the joints and muscles. It is also considered a disease that is not transmitted from one person to another directly, but rather through a transmission medium. The viruses target blood and immune cells.

What are the periods of development of dengue fever?

It goes through several stages, which are as follows:

• It begins with the incubation phase of the virus in the body after the bite, and usually lasts from 4 to 10 days.
• Followed by the appearance of initial symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. This stage is known as the acute stage, and lasts from 2 to 7 days, in some cases.
• The patient then moves to the critical stage, which usually appears after the fever decreases and includes the risk of fluid leakage from the blood vessels, low blood pressure, and internal bleeding. This period lasts from 24 to 48 hours, and is the most dangerous in the course of dengue fever.
• The patient then enters the recovery phase, where symptoms begin to improve and the body gradually returns to its normal state within a week.

It should be noted that it is important to carefully monitor symptoms during the different stages because the development of fever can be rapid and sometimes requires immediate medical intervention.

Causes of dengue fever

The main cause of dengue fever is infection with one of the four dengue viruses. These viruses are transmitted to humans through the bite of the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. This mosquito is active during the day and reproduces in stagnant water such as open pots or old tires. It is worth noting that it is not transmitted from one person to another directly, but an infected person can become a source of infection if he is bitten by an uninfected mosquito. This mosquito transmits the virus to another person, and increases

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Symptoms of dengue fever

Dengue fever symptoms usually begin 4 to 10 days after the bite of the transmitting mosquito, and are initially similar to the symptoms of influenza, with classic symptoms appearing as follows:

• Sudden high fever.
• Strong headache.
• Pain behind the eyes.
• Severe pain in the joints and muscles.
• nausea.
• vomiting.

It is worth noting that in some cases symptoms develop to indicate entry into the hemorrhagic stage of dengue fever, and symptoms include the following:

• Bleeding from the nose or gums.
• Bruising under the skin.
• Severe drop in blood pressure.
• Expansion of blood vessels.
• Loss of body fluids.

Severe symptoms require urgent medical attention, so early recognition of signs of fever can save the patient's life and reduce complications of the disease.

Methods of diagnosing dengue fever

The diagnosis of dengue fever depends on the patient’s medical history and clinical symptoms, in addition to laboratory tests. When going to the hospital, the doctor makes the diagnosis by following the following steps:

• First, the doctor conducts a comprehensive clinical examination and inquires about traveling or staying in affected areas.
• Conduct a blood test to evaluate the number of platelets and indicators of inflammation. One of the most accurate tests is the PCR test, which detects the presence of virus DNA, in addition to the IgM and IgG antibody test to determine the stage the patient is going through.
• Conducting blood tests. Blood results for dengue fever usually show low platelets and high hematocrit, which indicates fluid leaking from the vessels.

Early diagnosis is a crucial step in treatment, as it helps monitor the development of the condition and avoid complications. It is recommended to conduct tests in reliable medical centers to obtain accurate and reliable results.

How to treat dengue fever

There is no specific drug treatment for dengue fever, but the doctor focuses treatment on alleviating symptoms and monitoring complications. This includes complete rest and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Paracetamol is used to relieve fever and pain, while avoiding anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin because they may increase the risk of bleeding.

In severe cases of dengue fever, it may require hospitalization to receive intravenous treatment and constant monitoring of blood pressure and platelets. Rapid recovery depends on early intervention and careful care. The period of recovery from fever may take from one to two weeks depending on the severity of the condition. It is important to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations and not tolerate any sudden change in symptoms, as supportive care plays a crucial role in safely overcoming this viral infection.

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Ways to prevent dengue fever

Fever prevention begins with controlling the mosquitoes that transmit the virus, and includes the following:

• Get rid of any source of standing water, such as uncovered plant pots or uncovered water tanks.
• Use mosquito nets and insecticides, especially during mosquito activity during the day.
• Wearing long, dark clothing also helps reduce the chances of being bitten.

Some vaccines are available in specific countries, but they have not yet been widely adopted in most countries, so behavioral prevention remains the basis. Raising community awareness about the methods of transmission of dengue fever and preventive measures is considered one of the most important means of reducing its spread, especially in areas vulnerable to the spread of the virus, as every individual can contribute to reducing the chances of infection by following simple but effective steps.

Complications of dengue fever

Dengue fever may be mild in most cases, but sometimes it develops into serious complications such as:

• Dengue hemorrhagic fever, a condition that causes fluid to leak from blood vessels, low platelets, and internal bleeding that can be fatal.
• The patient may also experience a severe drop in blood pressure known as dengue shock, requiring urgent intervention in intensive care.
• There are rare cases in which neurological complications or infections of the heart and liver may occur.

The risk of complications increases in children, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic diseases, so careful medical monitoring during the critical days of infection is crucial, and carefully following the doctor’s instructions may be the difference between recovery and complications.

Frequently asked questions 

Is dengue fever contagious from person to person?

No, it is not a contagious disease that is transmitted directly from one person to another, but rather it is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus, so the presence of a sick person in the home does not pose a danger to others unless the transmitting mosquitoes are present in the place.

How long does it take to recover from dengue fever?

The recovery period usually takes from 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the injury. The patient may feel general weakness and fatigue even after the symptoms disappear, so adequate rest and good nutrition are necessary during the recovery period.

What does a dengue fever patient eat?

It is preferable for a person with fever to eat foods that are easy to digest and rich in fluids, such as soup, natural juices, fresh fruits, and vegetables. It is recommended to avoid fried or spicy foods, and drink large amounts of water to compensate for fluid loss and support the immune system.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms that we previously mentioned to you, and you suspect dengue fever, do not hesitate. Just book your appointment at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, where it provides experienced and qualified doctors, so that the doctors can begin to accurately diagnose you and begin treatment according to your condition.

Medical references

Dengue fever – mayoclinic

Dengue Fever – clevelandclinic