InfectiousICD-10: A90An estimated 390 million infections occur annually worldwide

Dengue Fever

Also known as: Dengue, Breakbone Fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It causes a wide spectrum of illness from mild fever to life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries and represents one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases globally, with an estimated 390 million infections per year.

At a Glance

Common symptoms
High fever (104°F / 40°C), Severe headache, especially behind the eyes, Severe muscle and joint pain (breakbone fever)
Main treatments
No specific antiviral treatment—management is supportive, Adequate hydration (oral or intravenous fluids), Acetaminophen for pain and fever (avoid NSAIDs and aspirin—bleeding risk)
Category
Infectious · An estimated 390 million infections occur annually worldwide
See a doctor if
You develop high fever and severe body aches after traveling to a dengue-endemic area

Symptoms

High fever (104°F / 40°C)
Severe headache, especially behind the eyes
Severe muscle and joint pain (breakbone fever)
Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash appearing 2-5 days after fever onset
Fatigue
Mild bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding, easy bruising)
In severe dengue: abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, organ damage

Causes

  • Infection with one of four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 through DENV-4)
  • Transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes
  • Second infection with a different serotype increases risk of severe dengue

Risk Factors

  • Living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical regions
  • Prior infection with a different dengue serotype
  • Young age (children are more vulnerable to severe dengue)
  • Pregnancy
  • Living in areas with poor mosquito control

Diagnosis

  • NS1 antigen test (detects virus in first 1-7 days)
  • Dengue IgM and IgG antibody tests
  • PCR testing for viral RNA
  • Complete blood count (low platelet count, elevated hematocrit)

Treatment

  • No specific antiviral treatment—management is supportive
  • Adequate hydration (oral or intravenous fluids)
  • Acetaminophen for pain and fever (avoid NSAIDs and aspirin—bleeding risk)
  • Close monitoring of platelet count and hematocrit
  • Hospitalization for severe dengue with IV fluid resuscitation
  • Blood transfusion for significant bleeding

Prevention

  • Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
  • Wear long sleeves and pants in endemic areas
  • Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed
  • Use bed nets and window screens
  • Dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) available in some countries for previously infected individuals

When to See a Doctor

  • You develop high fever and severe body aches after traveling to a dengue-endemic area
  • You experience warning signs of severe dengue (abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding)
  • Symptoms worsen after fever subsides (critical phase, days 3-7)
  • You notice signs of shock (rapid pulse, cold extremities, confusion)—seek emergency care

Frequently Asked Questions

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