Dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can affect anyone. It is most common in tropical and subtropical climates, in urban and rural areas. Due to its severity, it can be divided into mild dengue and hemorrhagic dengue.
Some people who contract dengue have no symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache in the frontal area, body aches, pain behind the eyes that increases with eye movement, muscle, and joint pain, loss of appetite, small skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting, according to the Guatemalan Red Cross.
In the case of mild dengue, the patient recovers in approximately one week. Because there is no specific treatment for this disease. Eduardo López, an internist at Intermedia, explains that the symptoms are treated with analgesics and antipyretics to reduce fever and body aches. As well as staying hydrated and resting.
The World Health Organization says that most cases of classic dengue can be treated at home with pain-relieving medications. Paracetamol is often prescribed, but NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided because they increase the risk of bleeding.
The first symptoms of dengue can appear between three and 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito but commonly occur between days four and seven.
Symptoms of classic dengue fever
- High fever
- Headache in the frontal area
- Pain behind the eyes that increases with eye movement
- Muscle and joint pain
- Lack of appetite
- Eruption of macules (small rashes on the skin)
- Nausea and vomiting
What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?
Severe dengue occurs when symptoms worsen or do not subside. It is also called hemorrhagic dengue because blood vessels become damaged and leak.
As well as when the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in the bloodstream decreases. This can lead to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterized by increased vascular permeability, which can lead to bleeding. The permeability of a blood vessel is the ability to allow or not the flow of small molecules such as cells or blood components,” adds López.
A previous dengue infection is thought to cause a more severe illness in a second infection. Children under 12 years of age are also more likely to contract hemorrhagic dengue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in April 2023 that dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases are spreading much further and further from their usual areas due to the effect of climate change, according to a publication on www.dw.com.
According to the Guatemalan Red Cross, it is necessary to know the symptoms and ways to prevent dengue.
It details that dengue is an infection transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) which breed in tropical and subtropical regions, urban and rural areas.
The mosquito reproduces mainly by the accumulation of water in containers. This mosquito is different from the others because it feeds during the day; the periods when bites are most intense are early morning and late afternoon before it gets dark.
Symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever
- It may begin with symptoms similar to those of classic dengue.
- Stomachache
- Nasal, oral, or gum bleeding and skin ecchymosis (blood coming out of the pores)
- Hemorrhagic shock
- Vomiting with or without the presence of blood
- Dry skin and mucous membranes
- Intense thirst
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
See a doctor if you have dengue hemorrhagic fever
The treatment of this type of dengue is also focused on alleviating the symptoms, although, due to the presence of hemorrhages, it is important to be treated in a health center or hospital. Therefore, at the first appearance of bleeding in any part of the body, vomiting, and abdominal pain, it is important to consult a doctor.
In some cases of hemorrhagic dengue, blood transfusion or other blood components such as platelets or plasma may be required.
Prevent dengue fever
- I periodically changed the water in the vases.
- Clean and maintain your home’s gutters.
- Avoid the accumulation of water inside containers (such as tires, jugs, bottles, pots, etc.).
- Turn unused containers upside down.
- Cover all useless objects that can collect rainwater.
- Keep containers used to store water covered.