Dengue

Dengue

Dengue is spread through the bite of an Aedes mosquito carrying any of the four dengue viruses. It predominantly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Symptoms typically manifest between 3 to 14 days post-bite and affect infants, children, and adults.

Symptoms vary from mild to severe, including fever, severe headaches, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, and rash. There are no specific antiviral treatments for dengue, so hydration is crucial. Avoid using aspirin or ibuprofen.

Most people infected with dengue are either asymptomatic (80%) or experience mild symptoms like a simple fever. However, a small percentage may face severe, life-threatening illness. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 14 days, with symptoms usually appearing within 4 to 7 days after exposure.

Children may exhibit symptoms resembling a common cold or gastroenteritis but are more prone to severe complications. Dengue hemorrhagic fever, primarily affecting children, is a dangerous complication marked by fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding. Timely clinical diagnosis and management improve survival rates.

In some cases, dengue progresses to a critical phase after the fever subsides, characterized by fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen, leading to organ dysfunction and severe bleeding. Shock and hemorrhage occur in less than 5% of cases, with increased risk in those previously infected with different dengue virus serotypes.

Recovery follows, with fluid reabsorption into the bloodstream lasting two to three days. While improvement is noticeable, itching and a slow heart rate may persist. Supportive treatment includes oral or intravenous rehydration for mild cases and blood transfusions for severe ones.

Dengue incidence has risen significantly since the 1960s, infecting 50–100 million people annually. The virus's cause and transmission were discovered in the early 20th century, with the disease becoming a global issue post-World War II. Efforts to combat dengue include mosquito elimination, vaccine development, and antiviral medication research.