Understanding Dengue Fever: Symptoms, causes, and treatments

Dengue fever is a rapidly spreading viral illness common in tropical and subtropical regions, posing a growing global health concern. It occurs when a dengue virus-infected (DNV) Aedes mosquito bites and transmits the virus to the host. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 and 400 million people worldwide are affected each year.

With flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, body aches, rash, and nausea, Dengue fever is treated within 1 to 2 weeks. However, those with severe Dengue need special care at a hospital. Recent reports highlight a surge in cases, including thousands reported across India, underscoring the need for timely care and vigilance.

So, keep reading to know the symptoms, causes and treatment of this disease to keep yourself and your family safe.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue disease is a mosquito-borne viral infection spread through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it becomes a carrier. It transmits the virus in the bloodstream of a healthy person, allowing the virus to replicate.

Although it is not contagious and does not spread from one person to another, it can be passed from a pregnant woman to her child. Worldwide, the disease affects millions, and therefore, the WHO has recognised it as an endemic in over 100 countries. Dengue is most commonly found in regions like Africa, parts of Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

What are the signs and symptoms of Dengue?

Most of the time, Dengue remains asymptomatic or shows flu-like symptoms. The symptoms include:

1. High Fever

2. Rashes

3. Swollen glands

4. Severe headache

5. Nausea

6. Vomiting

7. Pain behind the eyes

8. Joint and muscle pain

The severe form of Dengue fever is known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome. Those with severe symptoms or those being affected by the disease for the second time suffer from:

1. Constantly persistent vomiting

2. Rapid breathing

3. Cold and pale skin

4. Severe pain in the abdomen

5. Bleeding nose and gums

6. Blood in vomit or stool

7. Weakness

Those with these severe symptoms need to seek professional medical care immediately. If you have a reliable health plan cover, you can use the health insurance policy to cover the hospitalisation and treatment costs for dengue.

What is the Cause of Dengue Fever?

One of the four strains of the Dengue virus (DENV), a Flavivirus, causes Dengue fever. When a Dengue-infected mosquito bites, the virus enters the bloodstream of a healthy human and starts to replicate. The response of the infected person’s immune system and the virus itself determines the severity of Dengue fever.

What is the Diagnosis of Dengue Fever?

Since Dengue symptoms are similar to those of diseases like flu, malaria, and typhoid fever, diagnosing dengue is difficult. To confirm dengue, healthcare professionals rely on a combination of clinical evaluation, travel history, and laboratory tests. The most commonly recommended diagnostic tests include:

Dengue NS1 Antigen Test

This test looks for the dengue virus in the first few days of infection (usually the first five days).

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can help find low platelet levels and a low white blood cell count, both of which are common signs of dengue.

Dengue IgM and IgG Antibodies Test

This test looks at how the body responds to the infection to see if it is new (IgM) or old (IgG).

Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)

It is a very sensitive test that finds the virus's genetic material, which proves that the infection is still active.

Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)

It provides quick results and is useful in areas with limited laboratory facilities.

Along with these tests, doctors may also ask about recent trips to areas where dengue is common, exposure to mosquitoes, and the timeline of your symptoms. They can accurately tell if you have dengue fever by looking at your medical history, lab results, and physical exam.

How is Dengue treated?

As of now, there is no specific Dengue fever medication available. However, medical professionals recommend ways to manage the symptoms, such as:

1. Paracetamol for fever and pain

2. Electrolytes to stop dehydration

3. Preventing mosquito bites (since in the first week, if a mosquito bites an infected person, it can transmit the infection to another host)

4. Rest as much as possible

5. Monitor the platelet level

Please note: Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin during Dengue treatment. 

Dengue Fever Prevention Methods

To reduce your risk of Dengue, you can do the following:

1. Wear full-coverage clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and light, breathable fabrics to reduce exposed skin.

2. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or natural alternatives when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times.

3. Install window screens on doors and windows to block mosquitoes from entering your home.

4. Sleep under mosquito nets, particularly for infants, older adults, or anyone sick and resting indoors during daytime.

To prevent mosquito breeding in your locality:

1. Dispose of solid waste properly, ensuring items like cans, tyres, and containers do not collect standing water.

2. Cover and clean domestic water storage, such as buckets, tanks, and drums, regularly to prevent larval growth.

3. Use appropriate insecticides or larvicides in unavoidable outdoor water storage areas as recommended by health officials.

Final Words

Each year, millions suffer from the flu-like vector-borne disease, and until now, medical scientists have been working hard to develop a solution. The good news is that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Biotec Limited have announced the third phase trial of the Tetravalent Dengue vaccine. Its strain has shown some promising results in both preclinical and clinical trials.

Therefore, India may soon have its first Dengue fever vaccine. Until the vaccine becomes available, it is crucial to maintain all precautionary measures to reduce Dengue risks significantly. Secure your well-being with a Bajaj General Health Insurance policy that supports you during medical emergencies, including vector-borne illnesses.

FAQs on Dengue Fever

Can I be immune to Dengue Fever?

No, you cannot be completely immune to dengue fever, since there are multiple serotypes of the virus. However, you can be immune to the version of Dengue to which you have been infected.

Is it rare to get Dengue twice?

Dengue fever can affect an individual four times in their life. Every subsequent infection has a higher risk of being more complicated and severe.

Can I fully recover from Dengue?

Yes, you can fully recover from Dengue. Most people recover within one to two weeks. As with other infectious diseases, the Dengue incubation period is 4 to 7 days after infection. Now, the recovery depends on the person’s physical condition and immunity. 

Is it possible to treat Dengue at home?

Yes, when the symptoms of Dengue are mild, it is easier to treat Dengue with proper rest, fluids, and fever medicines such as Paracetamol. However, if the symptoms are severe, it is best to seek immediate professional medical help.

What are the Precautions of Dengue?

The best way to reduce your risk of Dengue fever is by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. You can use EPA-registered insect repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET or similar kinds of ingredients that are known to keep away Aedes mosquitoes. In addition, you can remove standing water and use mosquito nets to help prevent Dengue.

Is there any Dengue Fever Vaccine available in India?

No, as of now, there are no Dengue vaccines available in India. However, seeing promising preclinical and clinical results of the Tetravalent Dengue vaccine strain, the Indian Council of Medical Research, along with Biotec Limited, has announced that the Dengue fever vaccine will be available in India very soon.

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