Dengue hemorrhagic fever

Causes and Risks:
Multiple viruses have been implicated in both Dengue fever and Dengue hemorrhagic fever. Dengue hemorrhagic fever occurs when several types of virus are present at the same time or when the patient has contracted a second or third virus after previous infections by another type. Prior immunity to a different Dengue virus type is important in the production of this severe disease.

Early symptoms of Dengue hemorrhagic fever are similar to those of Dengue fever but after several days the patient becomes irritable, restless , and sweaty followed by a shock-like state. Bleeding may appear as pinpoint spots of blood on the skin ( petechiae ) and larger patches of blood under the skin ( ecchymoses ). Bleeding may occur from minor injuries. Death generally occurs from shock . If the patient survives, recovery begins after a one-day crisis period.

Prevention:
Vaccines are available for the different types of dengue fever . Availability of vaccines varies and may be a problem. Personal protection (clothing, mosquito repellent, netting, and so on), and traveling during periods of minimal mosquito activity, can be helpful. Mosquito abatement programs may reduce the risk of infection but vaccination is the only sure method of prevention.

Symptoms:
Early:

Acute phase:



Signs and Tests:
Physical examination may show:

Tests:



Treatment:
Because Dengue hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus, treatment is based on treating the symptoms. If the person appears dehydrated, rehydration with IV fluids is often necessary. intravenous (IV) fluids are also used to correct electrolyte imbalances . A transfusion of fresh blood or platelets corrects bleeding problems, and oxygen therapy may be needed to correct abnormally low blood oxygen.

Prognosis:
With early aggressive care, recovery is expected. Untreated patients in shock have approximately a 50% mortality rate.

Complications:

  • shock
  • residual brain damage
  • encephalopathy



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of Dengue fever and have been in an area where Dengue fever is known to occur.


There are many different species of mosquito, some of which carry some of the worlds most common and most economically important infectious diseases. Malaria and yellow fever are two of the most important diseases they carry. Others include encephalitis (viral), dengue fever, and leishmaniasis. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



This illustration shows an adult southern house mosquito. This mosquito feeds on blood and is the carrier of many diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and others. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still or stagnant water. The eggs hatch into a carnivorous larval stage before developing into flying mosquitoes. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



This picture shows mosquito larvae, most of which will become blood-sucking, disease-carrying mosquitoes. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



These are mosquito pupa. This is another stage in the development of the mosquito. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)