Here Are 7 Warning Signs Of Dengue Fever That You Shouldn’t Ignore!

The pitter-patter of rain brings relief from the scorching summer, but it also creates the perfect breeding ground for unwelcome guests—the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes! These pesky critters thrive in stagnant water and puddles, and their unwelcome gift is Dengue fever, a nasty viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which comes in four serotypes, aka closely related viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) – each capable of making you miserable. Data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control website shows that as of April 30, 2024, the nation had registered 19,447 dengue cases and 16 fatalities. While a simple infection might sound manageable, dengue can take a sharp turn for the worse, progressing into life-threatening complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

Knowledge is power, and the first step towards protection is awareness. Here's the thing: Dengue fever often announces its arrival with warning signs you shouldn't ignore. This blog dives deep into seven warning signs of dengue fever. You can seek timely medical attention and prevent complications by recognising them early. Keep reading!

Table Of Contents

1. What Are The Early 7 Warning Signs Of Dengue Fever?

2. Prominent Dengue Symptoms And Treatment

3. Dengue Outbreak In India

4. Expert’s Advice 

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

What Are The Early 7 Warning Signs Of Dengue Fever?

Early detection of dengue fever is essential for effective management of the disease. Dengue fever can present with a number of early symptoms, some more alarming than others. Here are seven warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention, especially in children:

Also Read: How To Prevent Dengue After Mosquito Bite? Expert Guided Insights To Stay Protected!

Prominent Dengue Symptoms And Treatment

The severity and intensity of the infection can affect the symptoms and course of treatment for dengue fever. When someone has dengue, symptoms are absent about 75% of the time, so the treatment becomes challenging as the symptoms become unidentifiable. The mild and severe symptoms followed by their treatment options are as follows:

1. Mild Dengue Symptoms

A rapid fever of about 104°F (40°C) or higher may occur if symptoms occur and include one or more of the following-

• Sore muscles and joints

• Pain behind the eyes

• Rash

• Sore throat

• Nausea and vomiting

• Facial flushing

• Headache

• Red eyes

• Most patients recover after a week; symptoms usually last two to seven days. The temperature may rise and then drop for a day before rising again.

2. Severe Dengue Fever

Between 0.5 and 5 per cent of dengue cases can be considered severe. If this happens, life may be in danger. At onset, the temperature drops to 99.5 to 100.4°F (37.5 to 38°C). Severe symptoms may appear between 24 and 48 hours later or approximately 3 to 7 days after a person feels sick. They include symptoms like:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness

• Fatigue

• Vomiting at least three times in 24 hours

• Blood in stool

• Cold, clammy skin

• Bleeding from the nose or gums

• Vomiting of blood

• Feeling restless or irritable

• Frequent changes in temperature from very hot to very cold

• Weak and rapid pulse

• Minimal difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure

  
  

Severe symptoms and signs may be a marker of DSS (shock syndrome) or DHF (haemorrhagic fever). They can prove deadly.

3. Treatment 

Dengue fever cannot be cured; only its symptoms can be managed. Dengue cannot be treated with any one medication. You should also ensure that you get enough rest, water and medical care. In the first 24 hours after the fever subsides, if your symptoms worsen, you should visit the hospital immediately to have the problems investigated. Follow your doctor's advice, which may include:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.

• Get as much rest as possible.

• Treat the pain with acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) only.

• Do not take ibuprofen (like Advil) or aspirin. This can increase your risk of life-threatening internal bleeding.

• Get vaccinated to avoid the possibility of infection.

  
  

Also Read: Recovery Diet For Dengue Patients

Dengue Outbreak In India

Dengue fever, also known as recluse fever, is a viral disease of increasing global concern caused by the dengue virus. It is primarily transmitted by dengue mosquitoes through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. A mosquito-borne one of the four varieties of dengue virus (DENV) can bite you and cause dengue fever. 

Tropical and subtropical places, such as Africa, some parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America, and Africa, are the most common hosts of the virus. This debilitating disease has earned a reputation as one of the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne viruses in the world. And its prevalence continues to increase, affecting regions around the world. 

1. First Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of the first infection are usually modest, but if you get a second infection from a different strain of DENV, your risk of developing significant issues rises.

Usually, dengue breakbone fever presents as an abruptly elevated temperature, intense headache, joint discomfort in the muscle or pain, a pronounced rash, and a tendency to bleed. The true risk arises when these symptoms worsen and become severe dengue fever, sometimes called dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. 

A study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru shows how dengue has increased in the Indian subcontinent in recent decades. According to the study, dengue is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that has steadily increased over the past 50 years. An outbreak of dengue fever can be observed mainly in Southeast Asia.

2. A Fever Epidemic

More than one million cases of dengue fever are reported in India every year, and about half of the country's population has specific antibodies against the dengue virus. 

In India, the first outbreak of clinical dengue-like disease was recorded in Madras (now Chennai) in 1780, and the first virologically proven dengue fever (DF) epidemic occurred in 1946. After that, no significant dengue fever activity was reported in the country for the next 18 years. In 1963-1964, an initial dengue fever epidemic was reported on India's east coast, spread northwards and reached Delhi in 1967 and Kanpur in 1968. Simultaneously, the southern part of the country was also affected, and the whole country was gradually involved with widespread epidemics followed by endemic /hyperendemic prevalence of all four DN serotypes.

Every dengue outbreak starts with high mortality and morbidity, with a significant socio-economic impact. According to information provided by the National Center for Vector-Borne Disease Control, India had 63,280 dengue cases as of September 30, 2022. North India is the hardest hit by each outbreak. In Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, 2060 confirmed dengue cases and 1 death were reported by September 2022.

Also Read: Dengue Fever Diet: Know 8 Food Considerations And Sample Plan!

Expert’s Advice 

Considering these treatment options and taking precautions, you can increase your chances of recovering from dengue fever and minimise its impact on your health. Staying hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration treatments, and fruit juices is essential to relieve symptoms.

                                                                        Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say 

Dengue fever is a severe disease that requires immediate attention when warning signs appear. Recognising the seven warning signs of dengue, especially in children, is the first step to prompt and effective treatment. Although there is no specific cure for dengue fever, treating symptoms and supportive care can help patients recover. Prevention and early detection remain essential in the fight against this disease. If you suspect dengue fever, consult a healthcare provider immediately for appropriate care and management.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest symptom of dengue?

High-grade fever accompanied by cluster headache or pain behind one eye is one of the hallmark symptoms of dengue fever. The fever is sudden and can reach up to 40°C (104°F).

2. What is the first stage of dengue?

The first stage is the Febrile phase. This phase is characterised by the sudden onset of high fever, typically in the range of 39-40°C, lasting 2-7 days. Other symptoms during this phase may include headache, eye pain, and flushed face. 

3. What is the first-day symptom of dengue?

Most people who get dengue fever will not have symptoms. However, for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510884/

• https://www.felixhospital.com/blogs/dengue-fever-in-hindi

• https://www.manipalhospitals.com/blog/warning-signs-of-dengue-fever-understand-the-symptoms-early/

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17753-dengue-fever

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