Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Posted by Healthfitline On Monday, November 26, 2012
Dengue Fever also known as "Breakbone" or "Dandy Fever" is a viral infection caused by mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. Dengue fever is more common in subtropic, tropic regions and among frequent travellers. It is trasmitted through mosquito bites, when an infected mosquito bites a healthy person. 

Dengue Fever (Grade I)
Dengue Fever is usually classified as Grade I since the symptoms are usually mild. 

Dengue Symptoms
  • Very high fever,  ranging from 39 - 40 degree,  4 to 7 days after infection.  
  • Headache
  • Body fatigue or body malaise
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash after 2-5 days of fever
 
Dengue Fever Complications
Dengue fever usually heals after a week or so and most people are able to recover fully. However, possible complications associated with Dengue fever are; severe dehydration and febrile convulsions due to high fever.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a more severe form of infection which causes bleeding. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it is further divided into different grades; 
 
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (Grade II)
All the signs and symptoms of Dengue fever (Grade I) plus;
  • Skin petechiae - These are round spots due to bleeding under the skin.
  • Gum and nose bleeding.
  • Blood in vomitus or in stool.
  • Easy bruising
  • CBC shows decreased platelets.
 
Dengue Shock Syndrome (Grade III)
All signs and symptoms of grade I and II plus circulatory failure.
  • When you touch the skin, it is cold and clammy (the skin is sticky or slimy to touch).
  • Low blood pressure and increased respiratory rate.
  • Presence of rapid, weak pulse. 

Grade IV - Presence of all signs and symptoms of Grade I, II, III plus hypovolemic shock (an emergency condition in which  the body losses too much blood and fluid, resulting in the heart not able to pump enough blood to the body).


Dengue Virus Diagnosis
Dengue fever is diagnosed by looking at three main symptoms; Fever, rash and pain, known as the "Dengue Triad".
 
Other tests that are performed are;
  • Antibody test to identify the type of dengue virus.
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction also for dengue virus identification).
  • CBC - Complete blood count
 
Treatment For Dengue
Since Dengue is a viral disease, there is no treatment that is available. Patients are usually encouraged to increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration, pain relievers are given (Acetaminophen or Paracetamol) health teaching about dengue prevention and patient is advised to avoid taking aspirin since it increases the risk of bleeding.
 
In severe form of  Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, apart from pain relievers, platelet transfusion and intensive rehydration therapy is usually implemented.
 
Dengue Fever Prevention
The following are a few things that you can do to protect yourself or your children from dengue;
  • Wear long sleeved clothings when going out.
  • Use mosquito repellent (more active during the day from 6am - 6pm).
  • Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
  • Pour or remove all stagnant water.
  • Avoid travelling during those seasons when there are plenty of mosquitoes.
  • Seek early medical treament if you suspect you are suffering from dengue fever.

Labels: Communicable Disease, Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, home

0 comments:

Post a Comment