Dengue fever is a disease caused by viruses that are transmitted to people by mosquitoes.
Dengue fever usually causes fever (high, about 104 F-105 F), skin rash and pain (headaches and often severe muscle and joint pains). The disease has also been termed "breakbone fever" or "dandy fever" because the unusually severe muscle and joint pains can make people assume distorted body positions or exaggerated walking movements in an effort to reduce their pain.
The symptoms and signs for
· Fever and painful muscle, bone, and joint aches
· Headache
· Chills (shivering and/or sweating)
· Rash (may be itchy)
· Red spots or flushing
· Swollen lymph nodes
· Pain behind or in back of the eyes
· Sore throat
· Vomiting
· Nausea
· Abdominal and/or back pain
· Loss of appetite
· Complete blood test (CBC)
· Coagulation studies
· Low platelet and low white cell counts may occur with the disease. In addition, depending on the symptoms (especially headache)
· Blood and urine cultures plus a spinal tap
· A MAC-ELISA assay (an immunoglobulin M-based test)
· IgG-ELISA, dengue viral plaque reduction tests
· PCR tests
· Isolation
· Mosquito Control
· Preventive method
· Eradicate source of Mosquito
Treatment:
· Adequate hydration
· Pain control
· Medications (acetaminophen, codeine)
More severe variations of dengue fever (hemorrhagic and shock syndrome) usually require additional supportive treatments; these patients often require hospitalization. IV fluid hydration, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, blood pressure support, and other intensive-care measures may need to be utilized in these patients.
Please consult a physician well verse with treatment of Dengue fever.
