Dengue fever

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Dengue fever is an acute febrile disease characterized by high fever, headache, skin rash and joint pains caused by the dengue virus which are transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone or dandy fever.

What causes a dengue fever?

Dengue fever is caused by any of four different type of dengue virus(DENV). Viruses are transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito and sometimes by Aedes albopictus mosquito .

What are the signs and symptoms of Dengue fever?

1. High fever (104 F) with chills
2. Headache
3. Fatigue
4. Joint pain
5. Muscle pain
6. Rash over most of the body
7. Pain during eye movement
8. Nausea and vomiting
9. Abdominal pain
10. Swollen lymph nodes

What are the complication of a Dengue fever?

1. Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is characterize by high fever, bleeding from mouth and nose , bruising and ultimately death of the patients.
2. Dengue shock syndrome, is the most severe complication of a dengue fever characterize by severe abdominal pain, severe vomiting, massive bleeding, dyspnea , sudden drop of blood pressure and death.
3. Dissemination intravascular coagulation (DIC), is characterized by abnormal reduction in the elements involved in blood clotting due to their use in widespread intravascular clotting.

How is a Dengue fever diagnosed?

Diagnosis relies on patient history, physical examination, laboratory test and radiological imaging

1. ELISA to isolate the virus and detects the IgM and IgG antibody of dengue virus.
2. Reverse trancriptase-polymerase chain reaction can detect the antigens of dengue virus .
3. Complete blood test shows , thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.
4. Radiological imaging includes X-ray , CT and MRI shows pleural effusion , intracranial bleeding and cerebral edema.

How is a Dengue fever managed?

Treatment depends upon the severity and the form of the disease .

In mild form of the disease.

1. Drink plenty of fluids
2. Acetaminophen( paracetamol) or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relief pain.

In severe form of the disease:

1. Hospital admission
2. Monitor vitals regularly
3. O2 supply
4. Intravenous fluid replacement or transfusion of blood
5. Correct electrolyte and acid-base balance
6. Heparin can be used to prevent DIC
7. Antiviral medicine is not available

What is the prognosis of a Dengue fever?

Prognosis is excellent with early treatment but becomes worse if complications develop.

References:

• http://www.emedicinehealth.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org
• http://www.mayoclinic.com
• http://www.medicinenet.com
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
• http://emedicine.medscape.com
• Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 17^th edition.
• Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 20th Edition

Filed Under: Medicine

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