Dengue fever is caused by virus transmitted via tiger mosquito bite which is endemic in tropical area but can occur everywhere in the world. The virus has four sero-types, which mean one person can has dengue infection four times in his or her life time. The severity of the illness varies greatly from a simple febrile illness to a severe, life threatening condition. However, majority of patients develop mild disease only.
The presentation of the disease follows three phases:
1- febrile phase: it is the first stage when the patient develop high fever and usually not response to anti=pyretic medications. Abdominal pain, vomiting and poor appetite can also occur. It usually last from 2-7 days (mean 3-4days).
2- Afebrile/critical phase: this stage, fever start to come down and warning signs can develop depending on the severity of the disease. Medical attention is needed in this period as it can progress rapidly and the patient can die at this stage if dangers signs are not recognized. It occur for 24-48 hours.
3- convalescence phase or recovery phases: if the patients survive the second stage, the patients started to gain appetite, less abdominal pain, and itchy rash can develop over the limbs and body.
Blood test can be done since the first day of illness if your clinicians worry about dengue fever because it can detect early diagnosis of the condition. However, a repeat test on the next day may be needed if the first test is negative. Your doctor may make the appointment with you the next day or he will admit you into the hospital for closed monitoring depending on your condition and lab test result.
Because dengue infection is usually mild and self-limited, majority of patients can be treated at home. Keep yourself well hydrated and uses acetaminophen when needed only are usually enough. Anti-pyretic medications other than tylenol/paracetamol such as Ibuprofen is strongly discourage because it can increase risk of bleeding if dengue fever become severe.
Go to the hospital immediately if you have:
The presentation of the disease follows three phases:
1- febrile phase: it is the first stage when the patient develop high fever and usually not response to anti=pyretic medications. Abdominal pain, vomiting and poor appetite can also occur. It usually last from 2-7 days (mean 3-4days).
2- Afebrile/critical phase: this stage, fever start to come down and warning signs can develop depending on the severity of the disease. Medical attention is needed in this period as it can progress rapidly and the patient can die at this stage if dangers signs are not recognized. It occur for 24-48 hours.
3- convalescence phase or recovery phases: if the patients survive the second stage, the patients started to gain appetite, less abdominal pain, and itchy rash can develop over the limbs and body.
Blood test can be done since the first day of illness if your clinicians worry about dengue fever because it can detect early diagnosis of the condition. However, a repeat test on the next day may be needed if the first test is negative. Your doctor may make the appointment with you the next day or he will admit you into the hospital for closed monitoring depending on your condition and lab test result.
Because dengue infection is usually mild and self-limited, majority of patients can be treated at home. Keep yourself well hydrated and uses acetaminophen when needed only are usually enough. Anti-pyretic medications other than tylenol/paracetamol such as Ibuprofen is strongly discourage because it can increase risk of bleeding if dengue fever become severe.
Go to the hospital immediately if you have:
- Persistent vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Cannot eat or drink
- Bleeding from your gum or other site
- Reduced urination
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