Dengue Fever Symptoms, Prevention, and the Importance of Early Testing

Dengue fever affects thousands of individuals in India every year. As the monsoon season brings an uptick in mosquito activity, understanding dengue symptoms, prevention, and the importance of early testing is more crucial than ever. This article discusses the warning signs of dengue fever along with preventive measures.

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is an illness spread by an infected dengue fever mosquito, specifically the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and before sunset. The dengue virus thrives in regions with consistently high temperatures and heavy rainfall, such as equatorial zones and monsoon-prone areas.

What Are the Types of Dengue Fever?

The following are types of dengue:

1. DEN-1: It causes classic signs and symptoms of dengue like high fever, muscle pain, and rash. Infection may enhance susceptibility to severe dengue in subsequent infections with virus similar to dengue.
2. DEN-2: It is known for causing severe dengue symptoms (haemorrhagic fever/shock syndrome) and outbreaks and is associated with lower platelet counts and higher complication risks.
3. DEN-3: It triggers signs and symptoms of dengue similar to other serotypes but increases immune system risks as well. Subsequent infections with different serotypes may lead to severe disease.
4. DEN-4: It has unrecognized signs of dengue or dengue symptoms. Like other types of dengue, it affects the immune system in a way that can cause stronger and more severe reactions if infected later by a different type of dengue virus.

How Is Dengue Fever Caused?

Dengue virus causes dengue fever, which spreads through the bite of an infected dengue mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus when it bites a person already carrying the virus. Once infected, the mosquito is capable of transferring the virus to other people through its bites. The spread of the disease is often linked to stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed, and is more common in densely populated areas with poor sanitation.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dengue?

Most people infected with dengue virus do not show dengue symptoms. When signs and symptoms of dengue do appear, they usually begin four to ten days after being bitten by a dengue fever mosquito. The most common signs and symptoms of dengue include:

1. Sudden high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C).
2. Severe headache.
3. Pain behind the eyes.
4. Joint, muscle, or bone pain.
5. Nausea and vomiting.
6. Swollen glands.
7. Skin rash.

These dengue symptoms usually last for two to seven days. Sometimes, the illness can become severe, leading to life-threatening complications such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding in nose or gums, urine or stools, difficulty breathing, and extreme fatigue. Severe signs and symptoms of dengue requires immediate medical attention.

How Is Dengue Fever Diagnosed?

On occurrence of signs and symptoms of dengue, various tests can be used to confirm dengue diagnosis including:

1. NS1 Antigen Rapid Test: It detects dengue virus protein from one to seven days post dengue symptoms.
2. IgM Antibody Test: This test identifies any recent infections and is done five days post-fever.
3. IgG Antibody Test: This test confirms past infections or secondary dengue.
4. PCR Test: It detects viral RNA (presence of virus in the body) early within first five days.

How Can Dengue Fever Be Prevented?

Dengue prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and reducing mosquito breeding sites. Here are some simple steps to protect oneself:

1. Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially during peak mosquito hours.
2. Install screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out.
3. Remove standing water from flowerpots, buckets, tyres, and other containers where mosquitoes can breed.

Preventing dengue is of importance. Early detection of dengue symptoms through dengue rapid test and prompt medical care can save lives and reduce the risk of severe complications.

Dengue fever remains a major health challenge in India, especially during the monsoon season when mosquito populations surge. Recognising dengue symptoms early is key to staying safe. After consultation with the doctor book a dengue fever ns1 antigen test at Dr Lal PathLabs for accurate diagnosis.

Download Dr Lal PathLabs app today to book a dengue test.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between mild and severe dengue symptoms?
   Common signs and symptoms of dengue usually include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and rash. Severe dengue can lead to bleeding, difficulty breathing, and organ failure, and is a medical emergency.
2. Can dengue fever spread from person to person?
   No, dengue fever does not spread directly from person to person. It is only transmitted through the bite of an infected dengue mosquito.
3. Why is early testing important for dengue fever?
   Early testing helps confirm the diagnosis of the dengue symptoms and allows for close monitoring. This can prevent severe complications and improve outcomes, especially in high-risk groups.