Dengue fever
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Mosquito, adult feeding
on the skin |
Mosquito, adult |
Mosquito, egg raft |
Mosquito, larvae |
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Mosquito, pupa |
Antibodies |
Dengue fever |
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Alternative names
West Nile fever; O'nyong-nyong
fever; Dengue-like disease; Breakbone fever
Definition
A mild viral illness transmitted
by mosquitoes and characterized by fever, rash,
and muscle and joint pains. See also Dengue hemorrhagic
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 severe 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. Infected 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 confusedwith
Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a separate
disease entity and frequently has a fatal outcome.
Prevention
There is no vaccine currently available for
dengue fever. According to the CDC (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention), research
is underway for the development of a vaccine.
However, the prediction is that there will not
be a vaccine available for 5 to 10 years.
Using personal protection (clothing, mosquito
repellent, netting, etc.) 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
- fever
- rashes
- muscle aches (myalgia)
- joint aches (arthralgia)
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- enlarged lymph nodes
Signs
and tests
- CBC (shows mildly increased white blood
cells, decreased platelets, and increase in
hematocrit)
- acute and convalescent serum (measures an
increase in antibody titer for dengue virus
types)
- serologic studies (demonstrates antibodies
to dengue viruses, may be type-specific)
Treatment
Rehydration is necessary if dehydration is
evident. The high fever can be treated with
acetaminophen (avoid aspirin).
Prognosis
Full recovery is expected.
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