Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, common in many tropical and subtropical regions. Most cases cause a flu-like illness, but a small proportion progress to severe dengue, a life-threatening complication.

• High fever with severe headache, often behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain, sometimes severe enough to be called "breakbone fever"
• Nausea, vomiting, and a skin rash in some cases
• Warning signs of severe dengue (usually appearing as the fever falls): severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, and lethargy or restlessness — these require urgent medical attention

• Caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which typically bite during the day.
• Risk is highest in areas with standing water where these mosquitoes breed, particularly during and after rainy seasons.
• A second dengue infection with a different virus type carries a higher risk of severe dengue than a first infection.

• Suspected clinically based on high fever with the characteristic symptom pattern in someone from or living in an area with dengue transmission.
• Confirmed with blood testing for dengue antigen (NS1) or antibodies, where available.
• Full blood count monitoring (particularly platelet count) helps track disease progression and identify early warning signs of severe dengue.

Most cases are managed with rest, adequate fluids, and paracetamol for fever and pain; aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen should be avoided because of an increased bleeding risk in dengue.

Close monitoring for warning signs of severe dengue is essential, particularly around the time the fever starts to settle, as this is when complications most often develop.

Severe dengue, with signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or signs of shock, is a medical emergency requiring hospital admission for careful fluid management and monitoring.

There is no specific antiviral treatment; care is entirely supportive, making early recognition of warning signs critical.

• Eliminate standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed (containers, tyres, blocked drains).
• Use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing, particularly during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.
• Use screens or mosquito nets on windows and doors.
• Seek prompt medical care for high fever with severe headache or body pain, and immediate care if warning signs develop as fever settles.