DENGUE FEVER Strategies to Protect Yourself and Your Community

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has become a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

- Chalapathy

Transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue fever can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, death. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing and preventing this disease.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever presents a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity. After an incubation period of 4 to 10 days following a mosquito bite, individuals may experience:

• High Fever: A sudden onset of high fever, often reaching 104°F (40°C).

• Severe Headache: Intense pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain).

• Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe pain in the muscles and joints, earning it the nickname “breakbone fever.”

• Rash: A rash may appear a few days after the fever begins, often spreading from the trunk to the limbs and face.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are common.

• Fatigue: Severe fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks after the initial symptoms. In some cases, dengue can progress to severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which includes additional symptoms such as:

• Bleeding: Bleeding from the gums, nose, or under the skin (petechiae).

• Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent abdominal pain and tenderness.