Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Guide

Overview

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four serotypes. It is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, where outbreaks occur during and after the monsoon season. The disease ranges from mild febrile illness to severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome), which can be life-threatening. Early recognition and proper medical care reduce mortality significantly.

Causes

Dengue is caused by infection with any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti and to a lesser extent Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. The virus incubates in the mosquito for 8–12 days before transmission. Humans are the main reservoir. Secondary infection with a different serotype increases risk of severe dengue due to antibody-dependent enhancement.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after the mosquito bite and last 2–7 days. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever (40°C/104°F)
• Severe headache, especially behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain (breakbone fever)
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Skin rash (red spots or flush)
• Mild bleeding (nose or gum bleed, easy bruising)

• Persistent vomiting
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Bleeding from gums, nose, or under skin
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Rapid drop in platelet count (<100,000/mm³)
• Plasma leakage leading to shock

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests. Common tests:

• NS1 antigen test: detects virus early (days 1–5)
• IgM and IgG antibody tests: IgM appears after 4–5 days; IgG indicates past infection or secondary infection
• RT-PCR: detects viral RNA, useful early
• Complete blood count: monitors platelet count, hematocrit, and white blood cells

Treatment Options

There is no specific antiviral drug for dengue. Management is supportive:

• Hydration: oral rehydration solution or IV fluids if needed
• Fever management: paracetamol (avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDs due to bleeding risk)
• Rest and monitoring of vital signs and platelet count
• Hospitalization for severe cases: IV fluids, blood transfusion, platelet transfusion if bleeding occurs
• Close monitoring for shock, organ impairment

Prevention

Prevention focuses on mosquito control and avoiding bites:

• Use mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus)
• Wear long-sleeved clothes and pants
• Use mosquito nets and screens
• Eliminate standing water (flower pots, coolers, tires, buckets)
• Use larvicides in water storage containers
• Community fogging during outbreaks
• Dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) is available for individuals aged 9–45 years with prior dengue infection, but not recommended for all in India due to risk of severe dengue in seronegative individuals

Ayurvedic Perspective & Remedies

In Ayurveda, dengue is considered a condition of vitiated pitta and rakta (blood) doshas. Remedies aim to boost immunity and reduce symptoms:

• Papaya leaf extract: traditionally used to increase platelet count (crush fresh leaves, extract juice, take 1–2 tsp twice daily)
• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): boosts immunity and reduces fever; decoction or juice
• Neem leaves: antiviral and immune-modulatory; decoction for fever
• Moringa leaves: rich in nutrients, may help recovery
• Honey and ginger: for nausea
• Hydration with coconut water, buttermilk, and herbal teas