Home Health Centre Dengue Dengue Fever Unravelling Dengue and Yellow Fever: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Precautions

Unravelling Dengue and Yellow Fever: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Precautions

Dengue vs. Yellow Fever: Symptoms & Prevention | DoctorOnCall

Dengue and yellow fever are two mosquito-borne viral infections that may have severe consequences on human health. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options for both diseases. We will also discuss which disease may pose a greater threat and suggest precautionary measures to mitigate catching it in Malaysia.

What is Dengue & Yellow Fever?

Dengue and yellow fever are both caused by viruses transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions such as Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands 1, while yellow fever is more common in parts of Africa and South America. 

In Malaysia, dengue cases are rising sharply in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 18,247 cases reported in the first five weeks, a 65.6% increase from the same period in 2023.2 Yellow fever has not been reported in Malaysia, but there is a risk of introduction due to factors like Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, monkeys, jungle areas, and a tropical climate, despite the absence of the yellow fever virus to date.3

Symptoms of dengue and yellow fever may range from mild to severe, with potentially fatal outcomes.

Symptoms of Dengue & Yellow Fever

Symptoms for both dengue and yellow fever may seem similar to the untrained eye.The table below offers some key differences between dengue and yellow fever symptoms.

Regardless of your symptoms, it is most advisable to seek medical help early. When in doubt,

consult your doctor


Dengue 

Yellow Fever

Common Symptoms

Fever with any of the following: eye pain, headache, muscle pain, rash, bone pain, nausea/vomiting, joint pain.4

Sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness.5

Duration of Symptoms

Typically lasts 2 to 7 days. Most people recover after about a week.4

Most individuals who experience symptoms typically show improvement within one week. For some, weakness and fatigue may persist for several months.5

Severe Symptoms (Warning Signs)

- Belly pain, tenderness4 

- Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours) 4

- Bleeding from the nose or gums4

- Vomiting blood or blood in the stool 4

- Feeling tired, restless, or irritable4

- High fever5

- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)5

 - Bleeding5

- Shock5

Timeline of Severe Symptoms (Warning Signs)

Warning signs/severe symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after the fever has gone away.4

Warning signs/severe symptoms can develop after an initial improvement, especially within a few hours or a day.5

Post-Infection Protection

The lack of guaranteed protection after recovering from dengue is due to the presence of different virus strains.7

Once infected, individuals are likely protected from future infections.5

Diagnostic Tests for Dengue & Yellow Fever

Testing for Dengue and Yellow Fever can be conducted on-the-spot through rapid test kits in clinics or through laboratory blood tests.8 9 Typically laboratory results may take a few days after a clinic visit to return. The choice of diagnostic tests depends on availability and advise from your physician.8 9 

Physicians may also recommend hospitalization while awaiting test results if the patient's symptoms are concerning.

Treatment for Dengue & Yellow Fever

There is no treatment for dengue and yellow fever. Physicians typically keep patients under close monitoring and address symptoms to provide relief.10 11 Therefore, for both dengue and yellow fever, prevention is better than cure.

Take These Precautions Today!

The following methods are some ways that you may manage your risk against mosquito-borne diseases: 

1. Mosquito Control:

Effective mosquito control involves eliminating breeding grounds by addressing stagnant water sources.13 14 Regular inspections of living spaces, proper waste disposal, and the use of mosquito nets contribute significantly to reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission in communities.13 14 

2. Vaccination:

For yellow fever and dengue, vaccines are available. Individuals residing in or planning to travel to endemic areas should ensure they are adequately vaccinated.15 The vaccine provides robust protection against the virus and is a crucial component of public health initiatives in affected regions.15

3. Personal Protection:

Individuals can further shield themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times.13 14 

Safeguarding Health in the Face of Dengue and Yellow Fever Threats!

In summary, dengue and yellow fever require our immediate attention. By understanding symptoms and adopting preventive measures, we can collectively reduce the risk of these diseases. By taking action, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to building healthier communities. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take necessary precautions – your health and community well-being depend on it.

References

  1. CDC. “Areas with Risk of Dengue | Dengue | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/areaswithrisk/index.html. Accessed 9 April 2024.
  2. “Dengue cases in Malaysia up by 65%.” The Straits Times, 8 February 2024, https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/dengue-cases-in-malaysia-up-by-65. Accessed 9 April 2024.
  3. “Yellow Fever - PORTAL MyHEALTH.” Portal MyHEALTH, http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/yellow-fever/. Accessed 9 April 2024.
  4. “Symptoms and Treatment | Dengue.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/symptoms/index.html. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  5. “Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/symptoms/index.html. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  6. Karim, Muhammad Mahdi. “Dengue: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology.” Medscape Reference, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/215840-overview?form=fpf. Accessed 16 April 2024.
  7. ScienceDirect. “The effect of reinfection with the same serotype on dengue transmission dynamics.” ScienceDirect, 5 March 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0096300318310695. Accessed 16 April 2024.
  8. “CPG Management of Dengue Infection In Adults (Third Edition) 2015.” Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/penerbitan/CPG/CPG%20Dengue%20Infection%20PDF%20Final.pdf. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  9. “Diagnostic Testing | Yellow Fever.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/healthcareproviders/healthcareproviders-diagnostic.html. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  10. “Dengue and severe dengue.” World Health Organization (WHO), 17 March 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  11. “Yellow fever.” World Health Organization (WHO), 31 May 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yellow-fever. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  12. Agha, Sheila B., and David P. Tchouassi. “Dengue and yellow fever virus vectors: seasonal abundance, diversity and resting preferences in three Kenyan cities - Parasites & Vectors.” Parasites & Vectors, 29 December 2017, https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-017-2598-2. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  13. “Avoid Dengue by Preventing Mosquito Bites | Division of Vector-Borne Diseases | NCEZID.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/avoid-dengue.html. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  14. “Prevention of Yellow Fever.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/prevention/index.html. Accessed 15 January 2024.
  15. “Yellow Fever Vaccine.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/vaccine/index.html. Accessed 15 January 2024.

This article is brought to you by Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 200901025887 (868989-K)

Disclaimer: This information is available to the 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.

These images depict hypothetical patients and/or healthcare professionals. 

C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0282 April 2024

Written By Dr Shobika Nair, Doctor of Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia on

Reviewed By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor