Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
O'nyong-nyong fever; Dengue-like disease; Breakbone feverDefinition Return to top
Dengue fever is a mild viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever, rash, and muscle and joint pains. See also Dengue hemorrhagic fever.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Dengue fever is caused by several related viruses (four different arboviruses). It is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti, found in tropic and subtropic regions. This includes portions of Southeast Asia, the Indonesian archipelago into northeastern Australia, parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of South and Central America.
Dengue fever begins with sudden onset of a high fever, often to 104 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, and slightly later the appearance of severe joint and muscle pains.
A flat, red rash may appear over most of the body early during the fever. A second rash, measles-like in appearance, appears later in the disease. Infected people may have increased skin sensitivity and are very uncomfortable.
Dengue fever is being seen more in world travelers. It is generally self-limited and although uncomfortable is not fatal. Diagnosis may depend on a traveler telling his or her doctor of any visits to areas of the world where dengue fever is known to occur.
Dengue fever should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a separate disease and frequently fatal.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Rehydration is necessary if dehydration is evident. The high fever can be treated with acetaminophen (avoid aspirin).
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Full recovery is expected.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have been traveling in an area where dengue fever is known to occur and have developed symptoms suggested above.
Prevention Return to top
There is no vaccine currently available for dengue fever. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), research is underway for the development of a vaccine. However, the prediction is that there will not be a vaccine available for 5 to 10 years.
Using personal protection (clothing, mosquito repellent, netting, etc.) and traveling during periods of minimal mosquito activity can be helpful. Mosquito abatement programs may reduce the risk of infection, but vaccination is the only sure method of prevention.
Update Date: 8/15/2003 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |