Dengue fever

Causes and Risks:
Dengue fever is caused by several related viruses (four different arboviruses) and is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti, found in tropic and subtropic regions. Dengue fever presents with sudden onset of a high fever , often to 104 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, headache , and slightly later the appearance of joint and muscle pains . A flat (macular) red blanchable rash may appear over most of the body early during the fever. A second rash, measles-like in appearance, appears later in the disease. Affected people may have increased skin sensitivity and are very uncomfortable.

Dengue fever is being seen more in world travelers. It is generally self limited and although uncomfortable is not fatal. Diagnosis may depend on a traveler telling his or her health care worker of any visits to areas of the world where Dengue fever is endemic . Dengue fever should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever , which is a separate disease entity and frequently has a fatal outcome.

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:



Signs and Tests:



Treatment:
Rehydration is necessary if dehydration is evident. The high fever can be treated with acetaminophen (avoid aspirin).

Prognosis:
Full recovery is expected.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you have been traveling in an area endemic for Dengue fever (that is, an area where Dengue fever is known to occur) and have developed symptoms suggested above.


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.)