Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, which often appear in the tropics. It is caused by 4 virus serotypes related to flaviviruses. Spinal fever is another name for dengue fever because it can cause a lot of pain. Mosquitoes usually bite at dawn and dusk, but they can also bite at any time, especially in dark areas, indoors, and during cloudy and rainy weather.

Dengue incubation varies from five to fifteen days before signs appear in the infected person. It usually begins with a fever, headache, acorn swelling, joint pain, and a rash. There is a rapid rise in body temperature and a low heart rate. Other signs can also be pain behind the eyes. The dengue fever sign lasts up to four days and is followed by a sudden drop in temperature and sweating. There will be a day or two of normal body temperature, then a second rise in body temperature followed by a pink skin rash with bleeding gums and red soles and palms. The clinical test will show the result of a low platelet count.

For dengue hemorrhagic fever (DH), this is a severe case of dengue, it will show a higher body temperature and there may be bleeding from the nose, ears, moth, and blood may also ooze from the skin pores. It can also cause vascular leak syndrome in which fluids from the blood vessels leak through the skin and enter spaces around the abdomen and lungs. Blood pressure will drop due to fluid loss and can lead to dengue shock syndrome (EDS). Dengue can affect other organs of the body which can lead to liver dysfunction, gastroenteritis, kidney failure, and meningoencephalitis.

Dengue diagnosis is made through clinical tests. The complete blood count will show a low platelet count or thrombocytopenia. Dengue patients also show a positive tourniquet test result. There are also bruising, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding. And the plasma leak is evident. To define the primary and secondary cases of dengue, the rapid diagnostic test is used to prevent it from turning into a life-threatening fever.

Since dengue is caused by a virus, there is no specific antibiotic to treat it. The concern of the treatments is to alleviate the symptoms of the patients. To prevent dehydration, intravenous fluid supplementation and oral hydration therapy are recommended. It is also essential to monitor vital signs. Platelet transfusion can also arise depending on the severity of the disease. Rest is also required for patients to recover and regain strength for faster recovery.

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin should only be taken if prescribed by the doctor to avoid worsening of bleeding. Patients can use acetaminophen for joint and muscle pain. Dengue fever can be prevented by interrupting transmission of the virus. Patients can wear long sleeves and pants. Nets can also be used. The use of skin repellants is also recommended. Try to limit your exposure to mosquitoes by avoiding going out before sunset and after sunrise. Emptying stagnant water from old trash cans, cans, flower pots, and tires can also help eliminate mosquitoes’ living quarters.

There is no vaccine available for dengue fever, so it is best to be careful and avoid areas where you can get it. Seek medical help if you think you have such symptoms for a correct diagnosis.