Dengue Symptoms and Treatment

 

Dengue

 

What is Dengue?

Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito. Almost half of the world’s population, about 4 billion people, live in areas with a risk of dengue. Dengue is often a leading cause of illness in areas with risk.

Areas with Risk of Dengue

Dengue outbreaks are occurring in many countries of the world.

Symptoms and Treatment

Key Facts

• 1 in 4: About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick.
• For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
• Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and often requires care at a hospital.

Symptoms

• Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash.

The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Rash
• Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)

Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week.

Treatment

• There is no specific medicine to treat dengue.
• Treat the symptoms of dengue and see your healthcare provider.

If you think you have dengue

• See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue. Tell him or her about your travel.
• Rest as much as possible.
• Take acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside of the United States) to control fever and relieve pain.
• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen!
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Drink water or drinks with added electrolytes.

Symptoms of dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency.

Severe dengue

• About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue.
• Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
• If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop severe dengue.
• Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk for developing severe dengue.

Symptoms of severe dengue

Warning signs of severe dengue

Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hours after your fever has gone away.

Immediately go to a local clinic or emergency room if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms.

• Belly pain, tenderness
• Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
• Feeling tired, restless, or irritable

Treatment of severe dengue

• If you have any warning signs, see a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room immediately.
• Severe dengue is a medical emergency. It requires immediate medical care at a clinic or hospital.