Dengue fever is a contagious illness that attacks the immune system of the body. It is caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.The dengue virus causes dengue fever; when a mosquito bites an infected person, it becomes a carrier that can easily pass on the virus to the next person it bites.
Symptoms usually develops within four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is currently no dengue vaccine. There are different types of dengue viruses that cause the dengue infection. Dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome is a severe form of dengue fever that can be fatal in some cases.
You can lower your risk of dengue by avoiding mosquito bites and to take steps to reduce the mosquito population in your area.
Most people with Dengue Fever will experience mild to no signs and symptoms of a dengue infection. When symptoms do appear, they may be mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu.
If symptoms do occur, it typically presents 4-10 days after being bitten and include:
Severe dengue symptoms typically come after the fever has gone away and includes:
Someone who has been infected with Dengue Fever for the second time are at a greater risk of developing severe symptoms.
Severe Dengue Fever is a life-threatening medical emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately if you develop a high fever or any of the above mentioned symptoms after visiting an area in which Dengue Fever is known to occur.
Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase and platelet reduction due to the virus.
