Dengue Fever Causes

Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by the bite of a particular species of mosquito. The symptoms of dengue fever start appearing in 4-7 days after being bitten by the dengue-carrier mosquito. The symptoms may also vary according to the severity of the disease. Initially, for mild dengue fever, the common symptoms are: high fever, headache, backache, muscle pain, eye pain, skin rashes, nausea and vomiting. If the dengue fever reaches a more severe stage, it becomes hemorrhagic. In hemorrhagic dengue fever, the blood platelet (which helps our blood to clot) count decreases substantially and rapidly, causing damage to the blood vessels and inducing internal bleeding. An even advanced stage of dengue fever is called dengue shock syndrome, wherein heavy bleeding and sudden blood pressure drop is seen. Dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome are both fatal and need proper medical care at a hospital.

Dengue Fever Virus

The cause of dengue fever is an infection by dengue viruses. There are four types of dengue viruses and these viruses spread through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito and are found to be prevalent in urban areas. Aedes aegypti mosquito acts as a carrier of the virus – carrying it from an infected person and then passing it to a healthy person’s bloodstream with a bite. Dengue fever is a disease of tropical and subtropical regions, so people living in or travelling through these regions are at natural risk of this disease. Also, dengue fever can come back after recovery if you are infected again. In fact, a reappearance of dengue fever often increases your chance of getting a dengue hemorrhagic fever.

There are no definite treatments for dengue fever – it usually varies according to the symptoms and the severity of the disease.

• For mild form of the disease, it is advisable to take proper rest and ensure a healthy diet. Also, make sure that you drink adequate amount of water throughout the day; it will help your body to remain hydrated and replace any fluid that is lost due to vomiting or high body temperature. To reduce the fever and pain, you can take acetaminophen drugs. It is advised not to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen as they may increase the risk of bleeding.

• For severe form of the disease, it is advisable to get under supportive care at a hospital. Under supportive care at the hospital, intravenous fluids and electrolytes will be administered, blood pressure level will be maintained, and blood loss, if any, will be replaced.