What is Dengue and it's symptoms?

 What is Dengue and it's symptoms?

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that primarily affects tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Symptoms of dengue fever can include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. In severe cases, the disease can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to bleeding, low levels of blood platelets, and damage to the liver and other organs. In some rare but severe cases, dengue can be fatal.

Dengue virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which is active during the day and breeds in standing water in and around human habitations. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue fever, and the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to eliminate breeding sites for the mosquitoes.

The symptoms of dengue fever can include:

1. High fever (typically around 104°F or 40°C)

2. Severe headache, often located behind the eyes

3. Muscle and joint pain (myalgia and arthralgia)

4. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

5. Fatigue and weakness

6. Rash, which usually appears on the trunk of the body and then spreads to the limbs

7. Mild bleeding, such as from the nose or gums

8. Enlarged lymph nodes

Symptoms of dengue fever typically appear 3 to 14 days after the person is bitten by an infected mosquito. The fever usually lasts for 2 to 7 days, and most people recover within a week or two.

In severe cases of dengue, symptoms can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which is characterized by:

1. High fever

3. Hemorrhaging, such as from the gums, nose, or under the skin

4. Low levels of blood platelets

5. Damage to the liver and other organs

6. Dengue hemorrhagic fever can be fatal if not treated promptly.

It is important to keep in mind that, Dengue is not only a fever it can have multi system manifestations such as rashes, low platelet count, abdominal pain, pleural effusion, Dengue shock syndrome etc.

It is always important to seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of dengue or if you have recently been in an area where dengue is prevalent, especially if you have high fever and experience any of these symptoms.