Common signs and symptoms of dengue viral infection

Dengue refers to a tropical disease caused by four different types of virus. It is usually transmitted by an Aedes mosquito that is infected with a dengue virus. There is no vaccine for dengue and the only way to reduce infections is to improve hygiene levels so as to prevent mosquito bites and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. It’s particularly difficult to create a vaccine because it’s caused by different viruses and there are no animal models available for testing. The disease kills thousands of Indians every year and is a seasonal threat, particularly during the monsoon seasons. Immediate diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent this condition and its possible complications.

Warning signs and symptoms of dengue fever in detail

High fever: Clinically known as high grade fever. It is one of the primary symptoms of dengue. Easily confused with fever due to other causes like viral fever, doctors suggest testing a patient with high grade fever for dengue immediately to prevent any further complications. A fever of about 104 degrees Fahrenheit is a common indicator of dengue.

Joint and muscle pain: Another name for dengue fever is break bone fever - a name that explains how severe the joint pain can be! A symptom that is confused with viral fever and other forms of malaria, joint and severe joint and muscle pain combined with other symptoms can indicate dengue.

Enlarged lymph nodes: Another trademark symptom of dengue as described by the World Health Organisation - enlarged lymph nodes.

Pain behind eyes: Also known as retro-orbital pain, this symptom is one that is quite common to viral fever and can be easily confused. But when seen in conjunction with other symptoms, it can indicate dengue fever.

Headache: Due to the sudden drop in platelet count, headaches are common in patients with dengue fever.

Diarrhoea: Accompanied with abdominal pain, diarrhoea is also another symptom.

Rashes: Seen all over the body, rashes caused due to dengue are easily discernable and easily diagnosed.

Extreme fatigue: The World Health Organisation categorises this symptom as one indicating severe dengue. Caused due to the drop in platelet count, patients suffering from dengue often suffer from extreme fatigue. Combined with high fever, this symptom is an indicator of severe dengue.

Low blood pressure: Thought to be due to the rapid drop in one's platelet count, low blood pressure is another symptom of severe dengue that requires immediate treatment.

Vomiting: While vomiting and nausea is a common symptom in people with dengue fever. According to the WHO, vomiting blood is a symptom of severe dengue that requires immediate medical attention.

Bleeding gums: Another symptom of severe dengue fever according to WHO, bleeding gums is a sign that the patient's platelet count has dropped to dangerous levels and he/she needs immediate medical attention. That being said, this symptom only when combined with other symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.

Because dengue fever is a viral infection, there is no specific treatment for the condition. The patient should seek medical advice and drink plenty of fluids. For severe dengue, medical care by experienced physicians can frequently save lives. It is important to maintain the fluid volume of the patient for recuperation of the patient. Also, a patient can suffer from dengue for a second time if the viral strain is different from the initial infection. Moreover, the second infection can be more serious than the period one.