Understanding Dengue Fever: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
Learn about dengue fever, its symptoms, transmission, and effective prevention strategies to stay safe in endemic regions.
Dengue fever is a serious viral infection that can pose life-threatening risks if not properly managed. Transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, this disease is prevalent in warm, humid regions worldwide. According to Dr. Stacey Rizza, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic, there are four different subtypes of the dengue virus that can infect humans, making the disease complex and capable of re-infection.
Dengue transmission is most common in tropical and subtropical areas such as Southeast Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and parts of the southern United States like Florida and Louisiana. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is active during both day and night, and a significant portion of the global population (about half) resides in areas vulnerable to dengue.
Symptoms of dengue fever typically include high fever, severe body and bone aches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While most individuals recover within a week, some can experience severe symptoms leading to dangerous complications.
Severe dengue may present with intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in urine, stool or vomit, skin bruising, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and agitation. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Currently, no antiviral treatment exists for dengue fever. Management involves supportive care, mainly maintaining hydration and controlling fever with medications like acetaminophen. Patients with severe symptoms might need hospitalization to support their fluid levels and overall health.
A vaccine is available in several countries for children aged 9-16 who have evidence of prior dengue infection, though it is not approved for use in the United States. The vaccine helps prevent reinfection in previously exposed individuals.
Preventing mosquito bites is essential to reducing dengue risk. Strategies include using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; removing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed; ensuring window screens and doors are intact; and wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants.
Understanding the importance of these protective measures can significantly decrease the chances of contracting dengue, especially in endemic regions where the disease is a persistent threat.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-expert-dengue-fever.html
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