Dengue Fever

What is 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.

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Symptoms

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.

Causes and risk factors

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.

How it's diagnosed

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.

Treatment options

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.

Frequently asked questions

Most people recover from dengue fever within 7 to 10 days. The fever typically lasts 3 to 7 days. Fatigue and weakness may continue for several weeks after the fever goes away. Full recovery usually takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the severity of infection.

Yes, you can get dengue fever up to four times because there are four different virus serotypes. After infection, you gain lifelong immunity to that specific serotype. However, subsequent infections with different serotypes often cause more severe disease. This is why prevention remains important even after recovering from dengue.

Get tested if you develop fever within two weeks of visiting a dengue-endemic area. Testing is also recommended if you have fever with severe headache, joint pain, and rash. Early testing helps identify the infection and allows doctors to monitor your platelet and white blood cell counts. Rite Aid offers dengue antibody testing at Quest locations nationwide.

No, dengue fever does not spread directly from person to person through casual contact. The virus requires a mosquito vector to transmit between people. An infected person can spread the virus to mosquitoes that bite them during the first week of illness. Those mosquitoes can then infect other people.

Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America, and the Caribbean have the highest dengue rates. Parts of Africa, the Middle East, and southern United States have also reported cases. Urban and semi-urban areas in tropical and subtropical climates provide ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Check travel advisories before visiting these regions.

Severe dengue, previously called dengue hemorrhagic fever, involves plasma leakage, severe bleeding, and organ damage. About 1 in 20 people with dengue develop severe disease. Warning signs include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, rapid breathing, and extreme fatigue. Severe dengue requires immediate hospitalization and intensive care.

Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear long sleeves and pants in affected areas, especially during early morning and late afternoon. Remove standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Use air conditioning or window screens to keep mosquitoes out.

The dengue virus suppresses bone marrow production of platelets. The virus also causes increased destruction of platelets in the bloodstream. Platelet counts below 100,000 per microliter occur in most dengue cases. Very low counts below 20,000 increase bleeding risk and indicate severe dengue requiring close medical monitoring.

Yes, pregnant women can get dengue and face higher risk of severe complications. Dengue during pregnancy may increase risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal hemorrhage. The virus can potentially transmit to the baby during pregnancy or delivery. Pregnant women in dengue areas should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

IgM antibodies appear within a few days after dengue infection and indicate recent or current infection. IgG antibodies develop later and remain in your body long term, showing past infection. High IgM with low or negative IgG suggests primary infection. High levels of both antibodies may indicate secondary infection with a different serotype.