Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Dengue fever is not just another seasonal illness. Every year, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, dengue cases rise rapidly in India and other tropical countries. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures can help protect you and your family from this potentially serious infection.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito – the same mosquito responsible for chikungunya and Zika. Unlike malaria mosquitoes that bite at night, Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day, making protection even more important.

The dengue virus has four different strains (DEN-1 to DEN-4). A person can get infected more than once, and each subsequent infection may be more severe than the first

Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after the mosquito bite. They may vary from mild to severe.

Mild Symptoms (most common):
High fever (up to 104°F)
Severe headache (especially behind the eyes)
Joint and muscle pain (often called “breakbone fever”)
Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash appearing 2–5 days after fever
Fatigue and weakness
Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever):
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
Blood in urine, stools, or vomit
Difficulty breathing
Sudden drop in platelet count

If you notice these warning signs, seek immediate medical care. Severe dengue can be life-threatening without timely treatment.

How Does Dengue Spread?

Dengue is not contagious from person to person.

It spreads only when an infected Aedes mosquito bites a person and then bites someone else.

These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water found in coolers, pots, discarded tires, water tanks, and even bottle caps.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. That’s why prevention is the best defense

Prevent Mosquito Breeding:

Empty and clean water containers every week.
Cover overhead tanks.
Dispose of old tires, bottles, and garbage that collect rainwater.

Personal Protection:

Use mosquito repellents and nets.
Wear full-sleeved clothing.
Install window screens.

Community Effort:

Participate in neighborhood cleanliness drives.
Encourage others to remove stagnant water sources.

Treatment of Dengue Fever

There is no direct cure, but supportive treatment helps recovery:

Plenty of fluids (water, ORS, soups, coconut water)
Paracetamol for fever and pain relief (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they increase bleeding risk)
Rest to allow the body to heal
Hospitalization in case of severe dengue with low platelets or bleeding signs
Doctors may recommend platelet monitoring, IV fluids, and constant observation in severe cases.

Why Dengue is a Growing Concern

Rapid urbanization and poor waste management create more mosquito breeding grounds.
Climate change and extended monsoons have increased mosquito survival.
Travelers can carry different dengue strains across regions.

Final Word by Dr. Nadeem Ahmed

Dengue is preventable. Simple lifestyle changes and vigilance can keep families safe. If you experience sudden fever, headache, and body pain during the monsoon season, don’t ignore it as just viral fever. Consult a doctor early, get a blood test if required, and take proper care.

Health is always better protected than cured. Stay safe, stay aware, and let’s fight dengue together.