Dengue fever
Overview
An acute viral disease characterized by fever, rash and myalgia and caused by a flavivirus which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Symptoms
* High fever - up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit * Severe headache * Retro-orbital pain - pain behind the eye * Severe joint pains * Muscle pains * Muscle aches * Swollen lymph nodes * General weakness * Nausea * Vomiting * Rash * Children get non-typical symptoms * Fever * Weakness * Prostration * Severe headache * Pain behind the eyes * Severe muscle pain * Slowed heart rate * Enlarge lymph nodes * Maculopapular rash
Causes
Dengue fever is caused by getting bitten from an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. There is no vaccine against it. This mosquito is found in most tropical areas of the world. Most cases which occur in U.S. citizens are from traveling abroad; however those living along the Texas-Mexico border and in other parts of the southern United States are also at risk for being infected.
Prevention
Methods of prevention of Dengue fever mentioned in various sources includes those listed below. This prevention information is gathered from various sources, and may be inaccurate or incomplete. None of these methods guarantee prevention of Dengue fever. * Avoid mosquito bites * Mosquito repellant * Protective clothing * Window screens * Remove water-filled mosquito breeding areas * Dengue vaccine - not yet available but being researched. * See also prevention of mosquito bites * See also prevention of mosquito-borne diseases
Diagnosis
This medical information about signs and symptoms for Dengue fever has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Dengue fever signs or Dengue fever symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Dengue fever may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Dengue fever symptoms.
Prognosis
Prognosis for Dengue fever: Most people who develop dengue fever recover completely within two weeks. Some, however, may go through several weeks of feeling tired and/or depressed. (Source: excerpt from Dengue Fever: NIAID) Duration of Dengue fever: 2 weeks typically but sometimes months before weakness or joint pains disappear. Duration of Dengue fever: The acute phase of up to 1 week is followed by a 1- to 2-week period of convalescence which is characterized by weakness, malaise, and anorexia. (Source: excerpt from Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: Information for Health Care Practitioners: DVBID)
Treatment
* Symptomatic and supportive * Bed rest * Fluids * Fever medications - though aspirin is not advisable according to some sources * Aspirin - some sources recommend aspirin (ask your doctor for current advice) * Pain relief medications o Acetaminophen o Codeine o Pethidine - in severe cases * Calamine lotion - for rash
Resources
* Borreliosis: An infectious bacterial disorder that is transmitted by ticks and causes skin rashes joint swelling and other symptoms similar to the flu. * Coagulopathy: A disorder of the blood where it fails to clot normally. * Death: The cessation of life * Dengue fever: An acute viral disease characterized by fever, rash and myalgia and caused by a flavivirus which is transmitted by mosquitoes.