Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 10/25/2022
Doctor's Notes on Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. It can affect anyone but tends to be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. Dengue fever can be caused by any of the five serotypes of the dengue virus, so it is possible to get dengue fever multiple times. Other names for dengue fever include "breakbone fever" or "dandy fever."
Characteristic symptoms of dengue virus infection include:
Other signs of dengue fever include:
- bleeding gums,
- severe pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain), and
- red palms and soles.
People with the condition also have contortions due to intense pain in the joints, muscles, and bones.
What Is the Treatment for Dengue Fever?
There is no specific treatment that will cure dengue fever. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms and can include:
- Acetaminophen to reduce fever and control pain
- Ensuring intake of sufficient water and electrolytes
- Getting plenty of rest
Severe cases of dengue fever require treatment at a hospital or clinic.
Stomach Pain : Nausea & Other Causes Quiz
QuestionBowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Abdominal Pain (Adults)
Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment of abdominal pain in adults and when to seek medical care for related conditions such as pancreatitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. -
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test and Results
Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests. The complete blood count test provides valuable information about the quantity of the different types of cells in the blood. The major cells in the blood are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Complete blood count can assist in diagnosing anemia, certain cancers, kidney problems, and allergic reactions. -
Fever in Adults
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. Normal body temperature can vary depending on the individual, the time of day, and even the weather. For most people, a temperature of 98.6 F (Fahrenheit) (37 C or Celsius) is baseline. -
Fever in Children
What are causes, symptoms, and treatment (acetaminophen) of fever in children? Learn when to worry, when a high fever is an emergency, and how to take a rectal temperature. -
Headache (Mild)
What causes headaches? Even when mild, headaches can be a cause for concern. Learn about potential causes, types, home remedies, and treatment. -
Insect Bites and Stings
Insect stings and bites are common. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and itching. Treatment of insect stings and bites depends on the type of insect. Some may require home remedies such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery. -
Joint Pain
Joint pain can be caused by injury or disease affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Pain also occurs with joint inflammation (arthritis) and infection. Joint pain symptoms can be associated with local warmth, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment depends on the cause and can include rest, cold applications, medications, physical therapy, or surgery. -
Rash
A rash is a visible skin outbreak. Examples of noninfectious rashes include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, hives, and allergic dermatitis. Types of infectious rashes include ringworm, impetigo, scabies, herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Rashes may be caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Treatment depends upon the type of rash. -
Spinal Tap Procedure
A spinal tap is a procedure performed when a doctor needs to look at the cerebrospinal fluid (also known as spinal fluid). Spinal tap is also referred to as a lumbar puncture. Spinal tap risks include headache, herniation, bleeding, and an epidermoid cyst. -
Stomach Pain in Children
Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites. -
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Read about swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and other locations. How do you know if you if you have swollen lymph nodes? How do you reduce swelling of lymph nodes? How long does it take swollen lymph nodes to go away? -
What Is the First Sign of Dengue Fever?
My husband and I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica. We wore mosquito repellant, but we still got a few bites after swimming. I heard dengue fever is on the rise in tropical areas. How do you know if you have dengue fever?
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.