Understanding Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Dengue fever, commonly known as "breakbone fever," is a mosquito-borne viral infection affecting millions worldwide each year, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. With the rise in cases due to climate change and urbanization, it's more important than ever to be informed about dengue — how to prevent it, recognize its symptoms, and seek timely treatment.

What Causes Dengue?
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is most active during early morning and before sunset. The dengue virus has four distinct strains (DEN-1 to DEN-4), and infection with one does not provide immunity against the others.

Common Symptoms of Dengue

Symptoms usually begin 4–10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and can last for up to a week. Key signs include:

Sudden high fever (104°F / 40°C)

Severe headache and pain behind the eyes

Muscle and joint pain

Nausea or vomiting

Skin rash

Fatigue

Mild bleeding (nose or gums, easy bruising)

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever):

Persistent vomiting

Severe abdominal pain

Bleeding under the skin or from the nose/gums

Blood in vomit or stool

Difficulty breathing or restlessness

Seek emergency medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.

Prevention: How to Protect Yourself
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, so prevention is your best defense. Here’s how:

 1. Avoid Mosquito Bites
Use insect repellents (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)

Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito hours

Use mosquito nets or window screens

2. Eliminate Breeding Grounds
Empty stagnant water from pots, buckets, tires, and containers

Clean and cover water storage tanks

Keep your surroundings clean and dry

3. Vaccination
Some countries offer the Dengvaxia vaccine for those with a history of dengue. Talk to a healthcare provider to know if it’s suitable for you.

 Treatment and Recovery

There is no specific cure, but dengue can be managed with:

Adequate hydration (oral rehydration salts or electrolyte drinks)

Paracetamol for fever and pain (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen)

Plenty of rest

Most people recover within a week, but follow-up care is essential to ensure no complications develop.

 Final Thoughts

Dengue is preventable. By taking simple steps to reduce mosquito exposure and staying informed about symptoms, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Public awareness, community clean-up efforts, and prompt medical care are vital to controlling dengue outbreaks.

Stay safe. Stay protected.