Dengue Fever: A Comprehensive Guide
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant global health threat, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. While many cases are mild, severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
What is Dengue?
Dengue fever is an acute viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family. There are four distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). An individual infected with one serotype gains lifelong immunity to that specific strain but remains vulnerable to the others. Subsequent infections with a different serotype increase the risk of severe complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Dengue
Dengue symptoms appear 4-10 days after a mosquito bite and last 2-7 days. The severity can range from mild flu-like illness to life-threatening complications.
1. Mild Dengue Fever (Classic Dengue)
- Sudden high fever (40°C/104°F)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)
- Muscle and joint pain (breakbone fever)
- Skin rash (appears after the fever subsides)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
2. Severe Dengue (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever & Dengue Shock Syndrome)
In about 5% of cases, dengue progresses to severe dengue, leading to:
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bleeding (gums, nose, bruising, internal bleeding)
- Rapid breathing and shortness of breath
- Cold, clammy skin, weak pulse (shock symptoms)
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
- Liver enlargement and fluid accumulation in the chest/abdomen
- Drop in blood pressure leading to organ failure
Causes of Dengue
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which spreads through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Mosquito Bites an Infected Person
- A mosquito feeding on a person with dengue becomes infected with the virus.
Virus Incubation in the Mosquito
- The virus multiplies inside the mosquito over 8-12 days.
Mosquito Bites a Healthy Person
- The infected mosquito transmits the virus to another human, starting the infection cycle
Human-to-Mosquito Transmission Continues
- An infected person can transmit the virus to other mosquitoes for up to a week after symptoms start.
Regions Where Dengue is Endemic
Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries, mainly in:
- Africa – Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya
- South America – Brazil, Colombia, Peru
- Asia – India, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia
- Caribbean & Central America – Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica
Travellers visiting these regions should take preventive measures.
Why Vaccinate at Trio Pharmacy's Travel & Vaccination Clinic in Shepperton?
If you’re planning to travel to an endemic region or want to protect yourself against dengue, Trio Pharmacy’s Travel & Vaccination Clinic in Shepperton is your trusted destination.
- Expert Guidance: Our trained healthcare professionals provide personalised advice tailored to your needs.
- Convenient Appointments: Flexible booking options to suit your schedule.
- Comprehensive Care: We ensure you receive the most up-to-date vaccinations and travel health information.