Dengue fever

Dengue fever is a viral infectious disease.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Dengue fever is a viral infectious disease. It is transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito, which is found in (sub)tropical regions. Typical symptoms include fever, a general feeling of being unwell, joint and muscle pains. The most important preventive measure is protection against mosquito bites (long-sleeved clothing, mosquito net, etc.). Vaccines are currently being tested.

Symptoms

Often (approx. 90% of the time), there are no symptoms following infection
Symptoms occur 2 to 14 days (= incubation period) after the mosquito bite
- Acutely high fever
- General feeling of being unwell
- Headaches
- Pronounced joint and muscle pain (“breakbone fever”)
- Generally swollen lymph nodes
- Slow pulse and skin rash (typical, but doesn't always appear)
Symptoms disappear after about 1 week

Dengue haemorrhagic fever

Seldom but serious complication
Bleeding
Potentially, severe coagulation disorders
Potentially, shock symptoms
- Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Cold and clammy skin

Causes and treatment

Cause

Pathogen: dengue virus
Sting of yellow fever mosquito (in particular Aedes aegypti) as the carrier of the virus
- Primarily during the day and early evening
- Mosquito is found worldwide in the (sub)tropics (in particular in Asia)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Physical examination
Blood test (search for pathogen)

Possible therapies

Isolation (risk of contagion)
- Persons you've been in contact with may also have to be isolated
Treatment of symptoms
- Medication (fever/painkillers)
- Control coagulation
- Replace lost fluids

What can I do myself?

Most important: replace lost fluids (because of fever and tropical heat, drink approx. 3 to 4 litres per day)
Reduce fever with vinegar socks or vinegar wraps
For fever while travelling, it’s better not to take acetylsalicylic acid preparations (risk of bleeding, paracetamol is better)
Protection against mosquito bites
- Mosquito screens, mosquito nets, possibly impregnated with mosquito repellent
- Long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing (also for children)
- Apply mosquito repellent to skin
Don't let water stand uncovered (could serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes)
Strict hygiene measures in treating infected patients
- Disinfect the hands after all physical contact
- Don't share utensils, etc.
Before every trip to the tropics: consultation with specialists or the institute for tropical diseases