Dengue signs and symptoms

Above about dengue signs and symptoms.

DENGUE FEVER and DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER are acute febrile diseases found in the tropics caused by four closely related virus serotypes of the genus flavivirus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN4) Family Flaviviridae. Infection with one of these serotypes does not provide cross-protective immunity, so persons living in a dengue-endemic area can have four dengue infections during their lifetime.

Mode of Transmission:

• Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of infective female Aedes aegypti, and Aedes albopictus.

• Mosquito biting activity is greatest in the morning for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon before dark. This mosquito breeds in clear and stagnant water found in containers such as discarded tires, cans, barrels, buckets, gallon, drums, flower vases, and cisterns, all frequently found in domestic environment.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Sudden onset of high fever which may last 2 to 7 days

• Joint and muscle pain

• Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)

• Weakness

• Flushed (reddened) face

• Skin rashes - maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae

• Nose bleeding

• Taste aberration

• Pronounced anorexia

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting of coffee-colored matter

• Dark-colored stools