Dengue fever is an acute febrile viral disease caused by flaviviruses serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. They are endemic in most countries in the tropics.
Signs and symptoms
- Sudden onset of fever for 2-7 days
- Intense headache,
- Muscle and joint pains
- Decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Nose or gum bleeds
Incubation period
From 3 to 14 days, commonly 4-7 days.
Mode of transmission
No direct person-to-person transmission. Patients are infective for mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) or Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito), from shortly before the fever begins to the end thereof, usually 3-5 days.
Diagnostic tests
These involve detection either of virus or antibodies against the virus in the blood of the patient within 5 days of onset of illness.
Management
There is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. Analgesics with acetaminophen should be used while those containing ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin should be avoided. Patient should also rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and avoid mosquito bites while febrile.