What are the Chances of Dying from Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a potentially deadly disease caused by the dengue virus. Although it is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas, dengue fever can occur anywhere in the world1.
Over the past 20 years, there has been an over 8-fold increase in dengue cases reported to WHO, from 505,430 cases in 2000 to over 2.4 million in 2010, and 5.2 million in 20191. Between 2000 and 2015, the number of reported deaths increased from 960 to 40321.
Dengue affects people of all ages. Dengue is a complex disease caused by four different virus serotypes (DENV-1, 2, 3 and 4)1. Thus, It is possible to be infected 4 times over the course of your lifetime1. A second infection caused by a different virus type can increase your risk of severe dengue1.
What is severe dengue fever?
Dengue fever that is not treated properly, or is not detected early can be life-threatening.
Severe dengue fever can occur as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever occurs when the level of platelets that help blood clotting is low and plasma leakage occurs2. This causes bleeding and loss of body volume due to the loss of fluid from the blood vessels. The consequences can be:
Severe bleeding from the gums, nose, or under the skin or other organs2.
Damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys and other organs3.
Fluid accumulation. In some cases, dengue fever can cause fluid to accumulate in the chest or abdomen2.
Dengue Shock Syndrome. This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when organs do not get enough blood flow2. Symptoms of shock include low blood pressure, weak but rapid heartbeat as well as cold and clammy skin2.
Dengue shock syndrome is the most severe form of dengue and can be fatal. The death rate for people with dengue shock syndrome can be 10% or higher, but with early detection and treatment, it can be less than 1%2.
What are the effects people can experience post-dengue fever?
According to research, dengue fever does indeed have a significant impact on the patient even after recovery from the infection. Commonly reported post-dengue symptoms include4,5,6:
Muscle pain (myalgia).
Joint pain.
Weak.
Headache.
Fever.
Fatigue.
Anxiety or depression.
Memory problems.
What should we do for a good recovery from dengue fever?
While there is no specific cure for dengue fever1, there are ways to make the disease more bearable and speed up recovery. Treatmenttypically focuses on supportive treatment such as preventing dehydration and relieving pain and fever7,8.
Get Plenty of Rest7
Getting plenty of rest is important for helping the body recover from dengue fever. It is best to avoid strenuous activity and take it easy for at least a week after the fever has subsided.
Stay Hydrated7
You can easily loss fluid from dengue symptoms such as fever and vomiting1. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Water, juice, and sports drinks are all good options7. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can further dehydrate the body9,10.
Take Pain Medication8
Many people find that over-the-counter pain medication like paracetamol can relieve the pain and muscle aches associated with dengue fever8. It can also help with the fever8. Paracetamol is typically recommended, as it does not increase the risk of bleeding8.
Seek Medical Care If Needed
In some cases, dengue fever can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications1. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care if you experience any warning symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, and rapid breathing1. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing serious complications.
While the chances of dying from dengue fever are relatively low, the disease can still be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to take precautions toprotect yourself from the virus. If you live in or travel to an area where dengue fever is common, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from mosquito bites11. In addition, use insect repellent and mosquito nets when sleeping11.
If you develop symptoms of dengue fever, such as high fever, severe headache, or muscle and joint pain1, be sure to see a doctor immediately.
References
1. World Health Organisation. Dengue and Severe Dengue | https://tinyurl.com/4vvup2j5 | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.(2009) Dengue and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever | https://tinyurl.com/mptnjuys | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
3. Timothy J. Schaefer, Prasan K. Panda, & Robert W. Wolford. (2022). Dengue Fever. National Library of Medicine. StatPearl Publishing | https://tinyurl.com/223vjd8e | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
4. Hung, T. M., Wills, B., Clapham, H. E., Yacoub, S., & Turner, H. C. (2019, September 1). The Uncertainty Surrounding the Burden of Post-acute Consequences of Dengue Infection: Trends in Parasitology. Trends in Parasitology | https://tinyurl.com/2p8mky5x | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
5. Schulte, A., Weber, I., Tiga-Loza, D. C., Amaya Larios, I. Y., Shepard, D. S., Tschampl, C. A., Undurraga, E. A., Martínez-Vega, R. A., Fischer, F., Chihu, L., & Ramos-Castañeda, J. (n.d.). Health-Related Quality of Life after Dengue Fever, Morelos, Mexico, 2016–2017 - PMC. PubMed Central (PMC) | https://tinyurl.com/463nd5vz | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
6. Long-term persistence of clinical symptoms in dengue-infected persons and its association with immunological disorders (2010, November 26). ScienceDirect | https://tinyurl.com/yfcx29se | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
7. MIMS. Supportive Therapy | MIMS Malaysia | https://tinyurl.com/23p2arr7 | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
8. MIMS. Dengue Treatment | MIMS Malaysia | https://tinyurl.com/3pavak3p | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
9. Seal, A. D., Bardis, C. N., Gavrieli, A., Grigorakis, P., Adams, J. D., Arnaoutis, G., Yannakoulia, M., & Kavouras, S. A. (2017, August 18). Coffee with high but not low caffeine content augments fluid and electrolyte excretion at rest. Frontiers in nutrition | https://tinyurl.com/55e4b846 | Accessed on September 26, 2022.
10. Polhuis, K. C. M. M., Wijnen, A. H. C., Sierksma, A., Calame, W., & Tieland, M. (2017, June 28). The diuretic action of weak and strong alcoholic beverages in elderly men: A randomized diet-controlled crossover trial. Nutrients | https://tinyurl.com/4ey47e5n | Accessed on September 26, 2022.
11. Langkah Pencegahan. iDengue. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia | https://tinyurl.com/3xp32mt3 | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0083 OCT 2022
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Disclaimer: This information is available to public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice.
Written By Sofia Farudz, MBBS Bch BAO, National University of Ireland, Galway on
Reviewed By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor
