Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment
Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is a serious illness that affects thousands of people every year. This viral infection is caused by the dengue virus and is transmitted through mosquito bites. The symptoms of dengue fever can be mild or severe, but it’s important to know how to spot them early and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis of the disease.
Causes
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through aedes mosquito bite. This Aedes aegypti mosquito becomes infected with the virus when it bites a person who is already infected with dengue fever. The virus then replicates in the mosquito's gut and spreads to its salivary glands. When the same mosquito bites a healthy person, it injects the virus into their bloodstream, thus infecting them with dengue fever.
The risk of infection is significantly higher in people living in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of dengue fever include high fever (up to 104°F), severe headache, body aches, joint pain, rash, and mild bleeding such as nose bleeding, easy bruising, or bleeding gums. The symptoms generally appear within 3-7 days after the mosquito bite and can last for up to 10 days. In some cases, dengue fever can cause severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and breathing difficulty. This is known as severe dengue and requires immediate hospitalization and treatment.
Risk factors
Anyone can contract dengue fever, but some groups of people. Such as those living in or traveling to areas with high dengue fever transmission rates, are at a higher risk of infection. Dengue fever is also more common in people with compromised immune systems, such as young children, elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses. Additionally, there is an increased risk of severe dengue fever in people who have previously been infected with the virus.
Diagnosis
Dengue fever is diagnosed with the help of laboratory blood tests. Doctors typically suggest blood tests to check for the presence of dengue virus antibodies or viral RNA. Some of the common blood tests include Complete Blood Picture (CBP), Serology or Antibody testing (Dengue IgM & IgG) and Dengue Virus Antigen Detection.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for dengue fever, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms. Paracetamol is usually prescribed to relieve fever and pain, but aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided as they can increase the risk of bleeding. It is also important to have rest, stay hydrated, and avoid mosquito bites to prevent the spread of the disease. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, and intravenous fluids and electrolytes may be administered to prevent dehydration.
Prevention of mosquito bites is the most reliable way to avoid contracting dengue fever. If you're traveling to an area with a high risk of dengue fever, use mosquito repellent spray, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito nets while sleeping.
The symptoms of dengue fever are common with other diseases, which makes it hard for the doctors to diagnose without lab work. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms of dengue fever, consult a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis of dengue fever helps in better recovery.
If you or anyone from your family, experience any of the symptoms of dengue fever, do get tested immediately at the AMPATH labs, to book an appointment, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or suspect you may have sarcoma, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
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