Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral illness spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours. The disease is common in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting millions of people each year in areas like Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa.

The dengue virus comes in four different types, called serotypes. Getting infected with one type gives you lifelong immunity to that specific serotype. However, you can still get infected by the other three types. A second infection with a different serotype often leads to more severe disease. This is why travelers to dengue regions and people living in affected areas need to stay informed about prevention and testing.

Most dengue infections cause flu-like symptoms that last about a week. Some people, especially children and those with previous infections, can develop severe dengue. This serious form involves bleeding, organ damage, and dangerously low platelet counts. Early detection through blood testing helps doctors monitor the infection and prevent complications.

• Sudden high fever, often reaching 104°F or higher
• Severe headache with pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain, sometimes called breakbone fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash that appears 2 to 5 days after fever starts
• Mild bleeding from nose or gums
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Easy bruising

Some people infected with dengue virus have no symptoms at all, especially during a first infection. Warning signs of severe dengue include persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, blood in vomit or stool, rapid breathing, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which spreads exclusively through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes pick up the virus when they bite an infected person. They then transmit it to other people through subsequent bites. The virus cannot spread directly from person to person through casual contact. Climate change and global travel have expanded the geographic range of these mosquitoes, bringing dengue to new regions.

Risk factors include living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical areas where dengue is common. Urban and semi-urban areas with standing water provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Previous dengue infection increases your risk of severe disease if you get infected again with a different serotype. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk of complications. Outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours also raise exposure risk.

Doctors diagnose dengue fever through a combination of symptoms, travel history, and blood tests. If you develop fever within two weeks of visiting a dengue region, your doctor will likely order testing. Blood tests can detect dengue antibodies and viral material. IgM antibodies appear within a few days after infection and indicate a recent or current infection. IgG antibodies show up later and can reveal past infection or secondary dengue exposure.

Additional blood tests measure platelet count and white blood cell count. Dengue typically causes low white blood cell counts, a condition called leukopenia. Platelet counts below 100,000 per microliter occur in 50 to 90 percent of cases. Counts below 20,000 indicate severe dengue requiring intensive monitoring. Rite Aid testing includes dengue fever antibody testing along with platelet and white blood cell counts at Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Early testing helps identify infection and guide treatment decisions.

• Rest at home and avoid physical exertion during the fever phase
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from fever and vomiting
• Take acetaminophen for fever and pain relief
• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding risk
• Monitor for warning signs of severe dengue daily
• Use mosquito nets and repellent to prevent spreading the virus to others
• Eat small, frequent meals if you experience nausea
• Seek immediate medical care if you develop severe symptoms

No specific antiviral medication treats dengue fever. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids. Severe dengue requires hospitalization for intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and close monitoring. A dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia is available in some countries for people who have already had dengue infection. Preventing mosquito bites remains the most effective protection strategy.