Pronounced: Deng-ay
Dengue fever is a flu-like illness. It is caused by a virus. The infection is passed to humans through the bite of a mosquito. Children and infants who that are infected may have no symptoms or only a minor, flu-like illness. Adults who become infected may develop a more severe, even life-threatening illness.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you suspect that you have dengue fever.
There are four types of dengue viruses that can cause this illness. The viruses are carried by Aedes mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a human, the virus enters the individual’s bloodstream. It may then cause illness. The infection is not passed between humans.
The following factors increase your chance of developing dengue fever:
If you experience any of these, do not assume it is due to dengue fever. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Symptoms of dengue fever may include:
A severe complication is called dengue hemorrhagic fever-dengue shock syndrome. If you have this syndrome, you may develop:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will also ask about recent travel to tropical areas. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist.
Tests may include the following blood tests:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. There are no medications available that can provide a cure. Treatment addresses the symptoms. It also attempts to avoid potential complications. Possible treatments include:
You will need to get extra rest while you recover from your illness.
You should drink a lot of beverages to help replace fluids, sugars, and salts lost during the illness. If you are unable to drink enough, you may need to receive IV fluids through a needle in your arm.
You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat fever and pain. Do not use aspirin because it may increase the risk of bleeding.
To help reduce your chances of getting dengue fever, take the following steps when traveling in areas where dengue fever is common:
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/default.htm
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
Capital Health
http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/
References:
Dengue fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=dengue.htm .
Dengue fever. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/Factsheets/dengue.htm . Accessed July 3, 2005.
Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2004.
Mandell GL, Bennett J, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone, Inc.; 2000.
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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