Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes.
It's widespread in many parts of the world. In most people the infection is mild and passes in
about a week without causing any lasting problems. But in rare cases it can be
very serious and potentially life threatening.
There is no specific treatment or widely available
vaccine for dengue, so it's important to try to avoid being bitten by
mosquitoes when visiting an area where the infection is found.
Symptoms of dengue
Symptoms of dengue usually develop suddenly 4 to 10
days after becoming infected. Symptoms can include:
- a
high temperature (fever), which can reach 40C (104F) or higher
- a
severe headache
- pain
behind the eyes
- muscle
and joint pain
- feeling
or being sick
- a
widespread red rash
- loss
of appetite.
The symptoms normally pass in about a week,
although you may feel tired and slightly unwell for several weeks
afterwards. In rare cases severe dengue can develop after the
initial symptoms.
When to get medical advice
You must see your doctor/ GP if you develop a fever or
flu-like symptoms within two weeks of returning from an area where the dengue virus is found. Remember to tell them where you have been
travelling.
Go to a local doctor or hospital if you develop
symptoms while travelling or living in an area where dengue is common.
There is little a doctor can do to help you recover,
but it is important to get a proper diagnosis in case there's another cause of
your symptoms. You may need a blood test to confirm that you
have dengue.
Schematic diagram showing the symptoms of Dengue Fever.
Treatment for dengue
There is no cure or specific treatment for dengue.
Treatment involves relieving your symptoms while the infection runs its course. You can usually look after yourself at home. The following can help:
- take paracetamol to relieve
pain and fever – avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can cause bleeding
problems in people with dengue
- drink
plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration – if you're
currently abroad, only drink bottled water from properly sealed bottles
- get
plenty of rest.
You should start to feel better in around a week,
although it may be a few weeks before you feel your normal self again. Get
medical advice if your symptoms don't improve.
Where dengue is found
Dengue is not found in the UK. Cases in the UK only
occur in people who've recently travelled to an area where the virus is common. Dengue is found in parts of:
- southeast
Asia
- the
Caribbean
- the
Indian subcontinent
- South
and Central America
- Africa
- the
Pacific Islands
- Australia.
How dengue is spread
Dengue is spread by infected mosquitoes, usually
the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus varieties. These mosquitoes bite during the day, most often
early in the morning or in the early evening before dusk.
They are often found living around sources of
stagnant water in built-up areas, such as wells, water storage tanks or old car
tyres. Dengue is not spread from person to person.
You can get it again if you have had it before, as
you will only be immune to one particular variant of the virus.
Preventing dengue
There is currently no widely available vaccine for
dengue. You can prevent it by avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes. The following can reduce your risk of being bitten:
- use
insect repellent – products containing 50% DEET are most
effective, but lower concentrations (15-30% DEET) should be used in
children, and alternatives to DEET should be used in children younger
than two months
- wear
loose but protective clothing – mosquitoes can bite
through tight-fitting clothes; trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and socks
and shoes (not sandals) are ideal
- sleep
under a mosquito net – ideally one that has been treated with
insecticide
- be
aware of your environment – mosquitoes
that spread dengue breed in standing water in urban areas.
It is a good idea to speak to your doctor/ GP, practice
nurse or a travel clinic before travelling to get specific advice about what
you can do to avoid dengue and other travel illnesses.
World map showing the endemic areas of Dengue.
Severe dengue
In rare cases dengue can be very serious and
potentially life threatening. This is known as severe dengue or dengue
haemorrhagic fever.
People who have had dengue before are thought to be
most at risk of severe dengue if they become infected again. It's very
rare for travellers to get it. Signs of severe dengue can include:
- severe tummy (abdominal) pain
- a
swollen tummy
- persistent
vomiting and vomiting blood
- bleeding
gums or bleeding under the skin
- breathing
difficulties or fast breathing
- cold,
clammy skin
- a
weak but fast pulse
- drowsiness
or loss of consciousness.
If you have symptoms of severe dengue, call 999 (or
the local emergency number if you are abroad) for an ambulance immediately.
Source: NHS Choices