Dengue

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Symptoms

• High Fever: Sudden onset of a high fever, often reaching up to 104°F (40°C).
• Severe Headache: Intense pain in the forehead or behind the eyes.
• Pain: Severe muscle, joint, and bone pain often referred to as “breakbone fever.”
• Rash: A rash may develop, often appearing a few days after the fever starts.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive symptoms are common.
• Fatigue: General weakness and fatigue.
• Mild Bleeding: Symptoms like nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising can occur.

Treatment

• Supportive Care: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on supportive care, including:
  Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration and maintain blood volume.
  Rest: Adequate rest to aid recovery.
  Pain Relief: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be used for fever and pain, while NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are avoided due to bleeding risk.
• Monitoring: Close monitoring for signs of severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome) is crucial, particularly in the critical phase around days 3-7 of illness. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and other supportive measures.