Dengue fever

About Dengue fever

A disease caused by four related viruses (arboviruses) spread by a particular species of mosquito. Dengue fever is being seen more in world travelers visiting: Southeast Asia, Indonesian archipelago into northeastern Australia, Sub-Saharan Africa, or South and Central America. It generally lasts 1-2 weeks, and is not deadly. It should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever which is a different disease and can be deadly.

Symptoms

A flat red rash early during the fever, A second bumpy rash appears later in the disease, high fever (104 or higher), headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed, Blood tests will be done to detect antibodies against the virus.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA).

Path 2 — Over-the-Counter Options

OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments

Conventional treatment summary

Treatment is supportive and includes intravenous fluids and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Medical specialties

Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Dengue fever.