Dengue virus (transmitted through Aedes aegypti mosquitoes)
The disease can progress from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome).
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Symptoms typically appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last for 2 to 7 days.
Mild Dengue Symptoms:
- Fever:
- Sudden onset of high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C).
- Headache:
- Intense pain, often behind the eyes (retro-orbital headache).
- Muscle and Joint Pain:
- Often referred to as “breakbone fever” due to severe pain.
- Skin Rash:
- Appears 2 to 5 days after fever starts.
- Red or pink maculopapular rash.
- Nausea and Vomiting:
- Loss of appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Fatigue:
- Weakness and exhaustion during and after the fever.
- Swollen Glands:
- Lymph nodes may become tender or swollen.
Symptoms of Severe Dengue
Severe dengue is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Signs may develop after the fever subsides, around 3 to 7 days into the illness.
Warning Signs:
- Severe Abdominal Pain or Persistent Vomiting.
- Bleeding:
- Gums, nosebleeds, or blood in vomit/stool (black, tarry stools).
- Difficulty Breathing:
- Fluid buildup in the chest or around the lungs.
- Restlessness or Lethargy:
- Indication of shock or worsening condition.
- Cold or Clammy Skin:
- A sign of circulatory failure.
Severe Complications:
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF):
- Capillary leakage, bleeding, and low platelet count.
- Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS):
- Critically low blood pressure, leading to organ failure.
