Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue fever is a common mosquito-borne illness in many tropical and subtropical

countries. One study estimated that 50 million infections occur every year.
Symptoms can be mild and include:
fever

rash

muscle and joint pain

Mosquitoes become infected with the dengue virus when they bite infected people,
and then spread it when they bite another person. Most cases of the dengue virus
are caused when a mosquito bites someone, but you can get the virus if you are
exposed to infected blood.
Dengue virus rarely causes death. However, the infection can progress into a more
serious condition known as severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever include:
bleeding under the skin

frequent vomiting

abdominal pain

The more severe symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever often develop after you
start to recover from the dengue virus.

What Causes Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Dengue hemorrhagic fever can occur when someone is bitten by a mosquito or
exposed to blood infected with the dengue virus. Infected mosquitoes are the most
common causes.
There are four different types of the dengue virus. Once you are infected with one of
the viruses, you develop immunity to that virus for the rest of your life. However,
this immunity will not protect you from the other viruses. It is possible to be infected
with all four different types of the dengue virus in your lifetime.
Repeated exposure to the dengue virus can make it more likely that you will
develop dengue hemorrhagic fever
Who Is at High Risk for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?
Living in or traveling to Southeast Asia, South and Central America, sub-Saharan
Africa, and parts of the Caribbean can increase your risk of contracting the dengue
virus. Other people at higher risk include:
infants and small children

pregnant women (the virus may be passed from mother to fetus)

older adults

those with compromised immune systems

What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Symptoms of the dengue virus generally include:
mild, moderate, or high fever

headaches

nausea

vomiting

pain in the muscles, bones, or joints

rashes on the skin

You may feel like you are recovering from dengue fever, and then suddenly develop
new and severe symptoms. These could be symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Call your doctor if you begin to experience:
restlessness

acute, or sudden, fever

severe abdominal pain

bleeding or bruising under the skin

cold or clammy skin

nosebleeds

large decrease in blood pressure (shock)

How Is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Diagnosed?

Doctors will usually diagnose the type of dengue virus and then begin to look for
signs of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Your doctor may do the following:
check your blood pressure
examine your skin, eyes, and glands
perform blood tests and coagulation studies
take a chest X-ray
In addition to performing these tests, your doctor may ask you questions about your
personal and family medical history. Your doctor may ask about your lifestyle and
recent travels. They may also try to rule out other conditions, like malaria, that are
common in tropical regions.

Treatment for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and keep the infection from
becoming more severe. Severe cases may need emergency treatments such as:
hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids

over-the-counter or prescription drugs to manage pain

electrolyte therapy

blood transfusions

careful monitoring of blood pressure

oxygen therapy

skilled nursing observation

All of these methods are aimed at controlling and alleviating your symptoms while
helping your body heal naturally. Doctors will continue to monitor your bodys
response. Severe dengue fever is often more difficult to treat because the
symptoms are worse and appear at a faster rate.
Complications from Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Complications from severe or acute dengue hemorrhagic fever may include:
seizures

brain damage

blood clots

damage to the liver and lungs

heart damage

shock

death

Prompt treatment can help prevent complications.

What Is the Long-Term Outlook?

The outlook for dengue hemorrhagic fever depends on how early the condition is
detected. People who receive care in the early stages of dengue infection will often
recover according to the Mayo Clinic, this usually happens within a week.
Dengue fever is not common in the United States, but travelers to areas of dengue
epidemics can be at a high risk of infection. Its important to talk to your doctor
about any international travel plans, and to be aware of any diseases in the area
youre traveling to. The CDC keeps an up-to-date health map to show areas that
have recent reports of dengue infection. Call a doctor right away if you become ill
with any dengue symptoms.

How Can I Prevent Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Researchers are working on a vaccine to prevent dengue fever. However, it is

currently unavailable. The best way to prevent dengue fever is to protect yourself
from being bitten by mosquitos. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. Use
mosquito netting and mosquito repellent when traveling in the tropics.