Dengue Fever: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a disease caused by four different types of viruses and spread by mosquitoes. It is also known as Breakbone fever.

Recovery Time

Most people recover within 2 weeks although it can sometimes take up to six weeks to get back to normal.

Diagnosis

Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:

• Antibody titer for dengue virus types         
• Complete blood count (CBC)                            
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for dengue virus types

FAQs prepared by doctor

Q1.  What is Dengue fever?
Dengue fever is caused due to infection with dengue virus. It is transmitted from one person to another by ades aegepti mosquito. It is a self-limiting disease and the severity of the infection depends on the strain of the virus you are infected with. Only a small percentage will go in for the life threatening form of illness know as Dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Q2.  How do I get Dengue fever?
If you get bitten by the mosquito harvesting dengue virus, then you will get Dengue fever.

Q3.  What is the treatment for Dengue fever?
Dengue fever is managed symptomatically with adequate rehydration. Paracetamol is used to reduce fever. Patients are advised to follow up with the doctor if any worsening signs occur like abdominal pain or gum bleed. Platelet counts have to be monitored.

Q4.  How long does it take to cure?
It takes about 7-10 days for it to resolve. If the patient goes in for the severe form of the disease (Dengue haemorrhagic fever) then they would require intensive treatment with platelet transfusion and close monitoring.

Q5.  How do I prevent Dengue fever?
Dengue fever can be prevented by using adequate protection against mosquito bites. Keep your surroundings clean and prevent breeding of mosquitos in the surroundings where you live.

Q6.  What are the complications of Dengue fever?
Dengue fever can turn into more severe form – Dengue haemorrhagic fever, associated with thrombocytopenia (low platelets) hypervolemia, hypotension and  internal bleeding and Death if not treated adequately.