Dengue fever is a common mosquito-borne illness in many tropical and

subtropical countries. One study estimated that 50 million infections occur

every year. Symptoms can be mild and include:

fever
rash
muscle and joint pain
Mosquitoes become infected with the dengue virus when they bite infected
people, and then spread it when they bite another person. Most cases of the
dengue virus are caused when a mosquito bites someone, but you can get the
virus if you are exposed to infected blood.

Dengue virus rarely causes death. However, the infection can progress into a
more serious condition known as severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic
fever.

Symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever include:

bleeding under the skin

frequent vomiting
abdominal pain
The more severe symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever often develop after
you start to recover from the dengue virus.

CAUSES

What Causes Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Dengue hemorrhagic fever can occur when someone is bitten by a mosquito
or exposed to blood infected with the dengue virus. Infected mosquitoes are
the most common causes.

There are four different types of the dengue virus. Once you are infected with
one of the viruses, you develop immunity to that virus for the rest of your life.
However, this immunity will not protect you from the other viruses. It is
possible to be infected with all four different types of the dengue virus in your
lifetime.

Repeated exposure to the dengue virus can make it more likely that you will
develop dengue hemorrhagic fever.

RISK FACTORS

Who Is at High Risk for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Living in or traveling to Southeast Asia, South and Central America, sub-
Saharan Africa, and parts of the Caribbean can increase your risk of
contracting the dengue virus. Other people at higher risk include:

infants and small children

pregnant women (the virus may be passed from mother to fetus)
older adults
those with compromised immune systems
AD V ER T IS E M E N T

SYMPTOMS

What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Hemorrhagic

Fever?
Symptoms of the dengue virus generally include:

mild, moderate, or high fever

headaches
nausea
vomiting
pain in the muscles, bones, or joints
rashes on the skin
You may feel like you are recovering from dengue fever, and then suddenly
develop new and severe symptoms. These could be symptoms of dengue
hemorrhagic fever. Call your doctor if you begin to experience:

restlessness
acute, or sudden, fever
severe abdominal pain
bleeding or bruising under the skin
cold or clammy skin
nosebleeds
large decrease in blood pressure (shock)
DIAGNOSIS

How Is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Diagnosed?

Doctors will usually diagnose the type of dengue virus and then begin to look
for signs of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Your doctor may do the following:

check your blood pressure

examine your skin, eyes, and glands
perform blood tests and coagulation studies
take a chest X-ray
In addition to performing these tests, your doctor may ask you questions
about your personal and family medical history. Your doctor may ask about
your lifestyle and recent travels. They may also try to rule out other conditions,
like malaria, that are common in tropical regions.

TREATMENT

Treatment for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and keep the infection from
becoming more severe. Severe cases may need emergency treatments such as:
 hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids
over-the-counter or prescription drugs to manage pain
electrolyte therapy
blood transfusions
careful monitoring of blood pressure
oxygen therapy
skilled nursing observation
All of these methods are aimed at controlling and alleviating your symptoms
while helping your body heal naturally. Doctors will continue to monitor your
bodys response. Severe dengue fever is often more difficult to treat because
the symptoms are worse and appear at a faster rate.

AD V ER T IS E M E N T

COMPLICATIONS

Complications from Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Complications from severe or acute dengue hemorrhagic fever may include:

seizures
brain damage
blood clots
damage to the liver and lungs
heart damage
shock
death
Prompt treatment can help prevent complications.

LONG-TERM OUTLOOK

What Is the Long-Term Outlook?

The outlook for dengue hemorrhagic fever depends on how early the
condition is detected. People who receive care in the early stages of dengue
infection will often recover according to the Mayo Clinic, this usually
happens within a week.

Dengue fever is not common in the United States, but travelers to areas of
dengue epidemics can be at a high risk of infection. Its important to talk to
your doctor about any international travel plans, and to be aware of any
diseases in the area youre traveling to. The CDC keeps an up-to-date health
map to show areas that have recent reports of dengue infection. Call a doctor
right away if you become ill with any dengue symptoms.

PREVENTION

How Can I Prevent Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Researchers are working on a vaccine to prevent dengue fever. However, it is
currently unavailable. The best way to prevent dengue fever is to protect
yourself from being bitten by mosquitos. Wear clothing that covers your arms
and legs. Use mosquito netting and mosquito repellent when traveling in the
tropics.