Dengue fever  

Dengue fever, also commonly known as break bone fever, is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus. It occurs when an Aedes mosquito with the virus bites a healthy person. This disease is mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 500,000 people need hospitalization due to dengue every year. Most of the dengue cases are reported in the tropical regions of the world, with large populations in parts of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Africa, Central and South America. According to the data released by the Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), 67,000 cases of dengue fever have been reported in India this year till 13 October 2019.


due to dengue

Dengue is caused by four viruses, which are DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. The virus enters the mosquito's body when it bites an already infected person. And the disease is spread when that mosquito bites a healthy person, and the virus is spread through the person's bloodstream.


Once a person recovers from dengue fever, he is immune to the specific virus, but not to the other three types of virus. Your chances of developing severe dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, increase if you are infected for a second, third, or fourth time.


symptoms of dengue

Generally, the symptoms of dengue fever are a simple fever and are not easily recognized in adolescents and children. Dengue causes a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms:


  1. Headache
  2. Muscle, bone and joint pain
  3. Getting nausea
  4. vomiting
  5. pain behind eyes
  6. swollen glands
  7. skin rash

There are three types of fever that put a person at risk, which are as follows – mild dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.


  • Mild dengue fever - symptoms appear a week after mosquito bite and include serious or fatal complications.

  • Dengue hemorrhagic fever - symptoms are mild, but can gradually become severe over a few days.

  • Dengue Shock Syndrome – This is a severe form of dengue and can even cause death.

treatment of dengue

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, as dengue is a virus. Timely care can help, depending on how severe the disease is. Following are some basic treatments for dengue fever:


  • Medication: Pain relief drugs like Tylenol or Paracetamol are commonly prescribed to the patients. Sometimes IV drips are provided in case of severe dehydration.
  • Stay hydrated: This is important, as most of our body fluids are lost during vomiting and high fever. Consistent intake of fluids ensures that the body does not dehydrate easily.
  • Cleanliness: Cleanliness is of utmost importance, even more so when you are not healthy. If the patient cannot take regular bath, then he can opt for sponge bath. Add a few drops of disinfectant liquid like Dettol to the water you are using for bathing. It is also advised to clean your hands with a hand sanitizer like Dettol before and after visiting the patient in the hospital. Disinfect the water used for washing the patient's clothes with Dettol to get rid of clothing germs.

prevention of dengue

Researchers are still working on finding a specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment of dengue fever involves the use of pain relievers along with acetaminophen tablets. Additionally, your doctor will recommend that you drink plenty of fluids and get rest. The best way is prevention. Below are some activities that you can adopt to keep yourself safe from the virus:

  • Don't leave the skin exposed: Try wearing long pants and a full-sleeved shirt to cover your skin surfaces and reduce the chances of mosquito bites. Dengue mosquitoes are highly active in the early morning or evening, so try to avoid going out during such times.
  • Anti-mosquito cream: A repellant with a concentration of at least 10 percent diethyltoluamide (DEET) is most effective. If there is a prolonged exposure, then a high concentration repellant is needed. You can apply such a cream daily to keep mosquitoes away.
  • Personal hygiene: When you are infected with a virus, you become extra vulnerable to other diseases. Use Dettol Liquid Handwash, which works to keep germs away. This liquid soap will protect you from many disease-causing germs.
  • Disinfect standing water: The Aedes mosquito breeds in clean, stagnant water. Keep the water pot or tank covered at all times and use a proper disinfectant if necessary. To reduce the chances of developing a breeding ground for mosquitoes, keep any utensils or items upside down that may collect water and clean surfaces thoroughly.