Dengue: Reasons and Symptoms
Dengue fever, often referred to simply as dengue, is a mosquito-borne viral infection. It's a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
How Dengue Happens
Transmission: The cycle starts when a mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person becomes a carrier of the dengue virus.
Bite: When an infected mosquito bites a healthy person, it injects the dengue virus into the person's bloodstream through its saliva.
Viral Replication: The virus multiplies and starts spreading through the person's body.
Symptoms: After an incubation period of 4-10 days, the infected person may begin to experience symptoms. These can range from mild fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, to rash and bleeding.
Immune Response: The person's immune system responds by producing antibodies to fight the virus. However, in some cases, this immune response can trigger more severe symptoms.
Severity: Dengue can manifest in different forms, from mild dengue fever to severe dengue (also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome). Severe dengue can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of Dengue
Fever and Headache
High Fever: Dengue typically begins with a sudden and high fever, often reaching up to 104°F (40°C). This fever is abrupt and can last for several days.
Headache: A persistent and intense headache is a common symptom. Patients often describe it as a throbbing, unbearable pain.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Joint and Muscle Pain: Dengue is often referred to as "breakbone fever" due to the severe joint and muscle pain it causes. This pain can be so intense that it can limit a person's movement. Dengue often leaves patients feeling extremely fatigued and weak. This fatigue can persist for weeks, even after the fever subsides.
Abdominal Pain and Nausea
Abdominal Pain and Nausea: Pain in the abdomen, particularly in the lower-right side, is common. It can be mistaken for other abdominal issues. Many dengue patients experience nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite, which can contribute to dehydration.
Rashes
Rashes: After a few days of fever, a rash may appear. This rash is typically a maculopapular rash, characterized by red, flat spots, and raised bumps. It can be itchy and often spreads across the body.
Mild Bleeding
Mild Bleeding: Dengue can lead to mild bleeding tendencies. Patients may experience nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising. This is a key differentiator from other febrile illnesses.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling of lymph nodes, especially in the neck and groin, can occur as the body's immune system responds to the virus.
Pain Behind the Eyes
Pain Behind the Eyes: A distinctive symptom of dengue is the pain and discomfort behind the eyes, known as retro-orbital pain. It can be quite severe.
It's important to recognize that while these are the typical symptoms of dengue fever, the severity can vary among individuals. Some may have mild symptoms, while others can develop severe forms of dengue, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). These severe forms are characterized by increased bleeding tendencies, a drop in blood pressure, and organ dysfunction and require immediate medical attention.
Conclusion: Understanding the elaborated symptoms of dengue is vital for early detection and appropriate medical care. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, especially in regions where dengue is prevalent, seek medical help promptly. Early recognition of dengue symptoms is critical. If you suspect dengue based on these symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
