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Mosquito, pupa
Mosquito, pupa
Dengue fever
Dengue fever
Antibodies
Antibodies

Dengue fever
Definition:
A mild viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by fever, rash, and muscle and joint pains. See also Dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Alternative Names:
O'nyong-nyong fever; Dengue-like disease; Breakbone fever

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Dengue fever is caused by several related viruses (four different arboviruses) and is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti, found in tropic and subtropic regions. Dengue fever presents 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 (macular) red blanchable 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 health care worker of any visits to areas of the world where dengue fever is endemic. Dengue fever should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a separate disease entity and frequently has a fatal outcome.
Symptoms:
Signs and tests:
  • CBC (shows mildly increased white blood cells, decreased platelets, and increase in hematocrit)
  • acute and convalescent serum (measures an increase in antibody titer for dengue virus types)
  • serologic studies (demonstrates antibodies to dengue viruses, may be type-specific)
Treatment:

Rehydration is necessary if dehydration is evident. The high fever can be treated with acetaminophen (avoid aspirin).

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected.

Complications:
Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have been traveling in an area endemic for dengue fever (that is, an area where dengue fever is known to occur) and have developed symptoms suggested above.

Prevention:

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.

Review Date: 10/30/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial (10/30/01). Previous review: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director; RxRemedy (2/9/00).
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