What is Dengue?

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. It’s a significant health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Thailand. While most cases are mild, a small percentage can develop severe complications, including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

How is Dengue Transmitted?

Dengue is primarily transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, often found in containers around homes and communities.

Symptoms and Signs of Dengue

Dengue fever will first manifest as an abrupt flu-like symptom for 3-15 days, this usually happens 4-8 days after the mosquito bite. The symptoms usually last for 2-7 days. However, you might be surprised to learn that many individuals with dengue may not show any symptoms.

In the early onset of dengue, patients may experience chills, rash and facial flushing which may last for 2-3 days. The rash in dengue is characterised by red mottling of the skin that starts on hands and feet, it will then spread to the trunk. In children younger than 15 years old, the characteristics of the rash is flat and raised lesion that may form on the skin. 

Dengue is usually suspected in individuals with high fever (40°C and higher) who are living or have travelled within 2 weeks of symptom onset to an area where the disease is known to be present. The dengue transmission may be reoccurring and have accompanying symptoms of:

• Headache
• Pain behind the orbit of the eye
• Severe muscle pain: Especially of the lower back, arms, and legs
• Joint pain: Usually of the knees and shoulders
• Nausea and vomiting (diarrhea is rare)
• Rash
• Weakness, malaise, and lethargy
• Altered taste sensation
• Anorexia
• Sore throat
• Mild bleeding symptoms on skin, gums, nose,
• Enlargement of lymph node
• Severe dengue (various hemorrhages and possibly shock)

In patients who contracted severe dengue implications, the symptoms are similar but after the fever breaks (3-7 days after symptom begin or sometimes within 24 hours), signs of plasma leakage appears. This is where the protein rich fluid component of the blood leaks from blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. 

Plasma leakage is the most serious complication that distinguishes mild dengue from severe dengue. Development of bleeding can be seen such as bleeding from sites of trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding and blood in urine. Besides that, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting that may contain blood, fatigue and seizures (in children) may also be present.

In dengue fever, the subsequent 24 hours is frequently prove critical. If left untreated, hemorrhagic fever, for example, could progress to shock. It is important in knowing the initial signs and symptoms to be alerted for in order to help early detection.  

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, we advise that you go to your nearest hospital. 

What is the treatment of Dengue? 

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. The focus is on managing the symptoms and preventing complications. Rest, hydration, and pain relief are often recommended. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

What is the best method to prevent Dengue?

The best way to prevent dengue is to reduce mosquito populations and avoid mosquito bites. Here are some basic yet effective strategies:

• Eliminate stagnant water: Regularly clean and empty containers that can hold water, such as flowerpots, buckets, and discarded tires.
• Use mosquito repellent: Apply insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and pants: Cover your skin, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
• Install mosquito netting: Use mosquito nets on beds and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

By understanding the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods, you can help protect yourself and others from dengue fever.