Dengue
By Swati Singh
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Updated on 24 Apr 2025, 11:59 IST
Dengue is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease that affects millions globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. With a surge in dengue outbreaks in India and other parts of the world, understanding this disease has become critical for both medical professionals and the general public. This academic article delves into what is dengue, its causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention strategies, and ongoing research, using the latest scientific insights and epidemiological data.
What is Dengue?
Dengue, also referred to as dengue fever, is caused by the dengue virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family. There are four serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. A person infected with one serotype can become immune to that type but may still be vulnerable to the others, increasing the risk of severe dengue upon reinfection.
How is Dengue Transmitted?
Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active during the daytime. This dengue mosquito breeds in stagnant water and is easily identifiable by its black and white stripes. Dengue transmission cycle involves the mosquito acquiring the virus from an infected human and then spreading it to another person through a bite.
The dengue mosquito bite time is typically early morning and late afternoon. Hence, public health initiatives often focus on eliminating breeding sites and spreading awareness about dengue mosquito identification.
Dengue Symptoms
The onset of dengue is sudden and marked by early signs of dengue such as:
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- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain (often called "breakbone fever")
- Skin rashes (dengue rash)
- Mild bleeding (nose or gums)
Dengue symptoms in adults and children may vary, with children sometimes showing milder signs. In severe dengue symptoms, individuals may experience internal bleeding, rapid drop in blood pressure, and organ impairment, requiring immediate hospitalization.
Diagnosis and Tests
How to diagnose dengue involves clinical evaluation along with laboratory tests. Common diagnostic tools include:
- Dengue NS1 test (detects viral protein)
- IgM and IgG antibody tests
- Platelet count monitoring (platelet count in dengue often drops significantly)
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent complications.
Dengue Treatment
Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug for dengue. Treatment is supportive and focuses on:
- Managing fever and pain (using acetaminophen; avoid NSAIDs)
- Hydration
- Monitoring vital signs and platelet count
For hospital treatment for dengue, patients with severe symptoms are admitted for intravenous fluids and close monitoring. Many patients also explore home remedies for dengue like consuming papaya leaf extract and herbal teas.
Foods to Eat During Dengue
Proper nutrition plays a critical role in recovery. Recommended foods to eat during dengue include:
- Papaya leaves (supports platelet production)
- Citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C)
- Coconut water (for hydration)
- Iron-rich foods (for anemia prevention)
- Easily digestible proteins
These contribute significantly to dengue fever recovery time, which typically ranges from 1 to 2 weeks.
Dengue Prevention
How to prevent dengue revolves around mosquito control and personal protection. Effective measures include:
- Using mosquito repellents for dengue
- Wearing full-sleeve clothing
- Installing window screens and nets
- Eliminating stagnant water
Governments often launch dengue mosquito control methods during the dengue season in India, which typically occurs during and after the monsoon. Natural ways to prevent dengue like planting mosquito-repelling herbs and using essential oils (citronella, neem) are also popular.
Dengue Vaccine and Research
The development of a dengue vaccine has been a global priority. Dengvaxia vaccine is currently the only approved vaccine in several countries, including limited use in India. Latest dengue vaccine in India trials are underway to improve efficacy and safety.
Ongoing research on dengue includes better diagnostic kits, antiviral drugs, and second-generation vaccines. These efforts are vital to reducing the global disease burden, especially with growing global dengue statistics.
Epidemiology and Global Perspective
Dengue has become endemic in more than 100 countries. The dengue-prone areas include Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. World Dengue Day serves to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and promote global collaboration.
The dengue outbreak in India during recent years has pushed health authorities to intensify surveillance, early diagnosis, and vector control strategies.
Educational Awareness
Understanding dengue facts for students is essential to instill preventive habits early. It’s also helpful to know the difference between dengue and chikungunya, as both diseases are mosquito-borne but vary in symptoms and recovery. Likewise, dengue vs malaria is a common comparison in tropical medicine due to overlapping signs but differing causes and treatments.
Conclusion
Dengue remains a significant public health challenge. With no specific cure, awareness about dengue causes, timely recognition of symptoms, accurate diagnosis, and adherence to preventive measures are essential. Strengthening research on dengue vaccine, investing in public health infrastructure, and educating communities will be pivotal in mitigating the impact of this disease globally.
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FAQs on Dengue
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, transmitted primarily by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. It leads to high fever, joint pain, and other flu-like symptoms, and can sometimes develop into severe dengue.
What are the early signs of Dengue?
Early signs of dengue include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, dengue rash, and mild bleeding such as gum or nose bleeds.
How is Dengue transmitted?
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito that bites mainly during daytime. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person already carrying the virus and then transmits it to others.
What is the difference between Dengue and Chikungunya?
While both are mosquito-borne diseases, dengue usually causes more severe drops in platelet count and rash, while chikungunya is known for intense joint pain and stiffness. They are caused by different viruses.
What is the difference between Dengue and Malaria?
Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, while malaria is caused by a parasite (Plasmodium) spread by Anopheles mosquitoes. The symptoms and treatment also differ significantly.
How is Dengue diagnosed?
Dengue is diagnosed through tests such as the Dengue NS1 test, IgM and IgG antibody tests, and by monitoring platelet count in dengue cases. Lab tests confirm the presence of the virus or antibodies.
What foods should be eaten during Dengue fever?
Patients are advised to consume foods to eat during dengue such as papaya leaf extract, citrus fruits, coconut water, pomegranate, and protein-rich, easy-to-digest foods to support immune recovery and boost platelet count.
What is the treatment for Dengue?
There is no specific antiviral drug for dengue. Dengue treatment focuses on hydration, rest, and symptom management. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Avoid aspirin or NSAIDs as they can increase bleeding risk.
How long is the recovery time from Dengue?
The typical dengue fever recovery time is between 1 to 2 weeks. Recovery may take longer if the patient suffers from severe dengue or complications.
Can Dengue be prevented?
Yes. Dengue prevention involves avoiding mosquito bites and stopping mosquito breeding. This includes using mosquito repellents for dengue, covering water containers, wearing protective clothing, and using nets or screens.
Is there a vaccine for Dengue?
Yes, the Dengvaxia vaccine is approved in some countries. In India, the latest dengue vaccine is under trial and not yet widely available. Ongoing research on dengue continues to improve vaccine safety and effectiveness.
When is Dengue most common in India?
The dengue season in India typically peaks during and after the monsoon months (July to October), when mosquito breeding is at its highest due to stagnant water.
Are there natural ways to prevent Dengue?
Yes. Natural ways to prevent dengue include using citronella oil, neem-based repellents, and planting mosquito-repelling herbs like lemongrass and marigold. Keeping your environment clean and dry is also essential.
Where is Dengue most common globally?
Dengue-prone areas include Southeast Asia, parts of South America, Africa, and the Western Pacific. The disease is now spreading to previously unaffected regions due to climate change and global travel.
What is World Dengue Day?
World Dengue Day is an initiative to raise global awareness about dengue prevention, treatment, and research. It highlights the importance of community efforts and scientific advancement in tackling this disease.