What are the Chances of Dying from Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a potentially deadly disease caused by the dengue virus. There are 4 dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, 2, 3, and 4) that are transmitted through mosquitoes. It is possible to be infected 4 times throughout your lifetime.[1]
While dengue is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas due to mosquito-friendly climates, dengue fever can occur anywhere in the world and can affect anyone.[2]
Over the past 20 years, there has been an over 10-fold increase in dengue cases reported to WHO, from 505,430 cases in 2000 to over 5.2 million in 2019.[2] Between 2000 and 2015, the number of reported deaths increased from 960 to 4032.[3]
What is severe dengue fever?
Dengue fever that is not treated properly or detected early can be life-threatening. A second infection caused by a different dengue serotype may increase your risk of severe dengue.[2]
Severe dengue fever may present 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 occurs.[1] This causes bleeding and loss of body volume due to fluid loss from the blood vessels.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever may present as
Severe bleeding from the gums, nose, or under the skin or other organs.[1]
Fluid accumulation. In some cases, dengue fever can cause fluid to accumulate in the chest or abdomen.[1]
Complications of Dengue hemorrhagic fever include
Damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and other organs.[4]
Dengue Shock Syndrome. This life-threatening condition occurs when organs do not get enough blood flow.[1] Symptoms of shock include low blood pressure, weak but rapid heartbeat as well as cold and clammy skin.[1]
What are the effects people can experience post-dengue fever?
According to research, dengue fever may affect patients long after the infection.[5] The symptoms of ‘post-dengue’ or ‘long dengue’ may include[5]:
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Joint pain
Weak
Headache
Fever
Fatigue
Anxiety or depression
Memory problems
What could we do for a good recovery from dengue fever?
While there is no treatment for dengue fever,[2] there are ways to make the disease more bearable and speed up recovery. Treatment typically focuses on supportive treatment such as preventing dehydration and relieving pain and fever.[6]
Get Plenty of Rest[6]
Getting plenty of rest is important for helping the body recover. It is best to avoid strenuous activity and take it easy for at least a week after the fever has subsided.
Stay Hydrated
It is important to replenish any fluid you may have lost during your illness. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids - water, juice, and isotonic drinks (e.g. sports drinks) are all good options.[6] Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can further dehydrate the body.[7],[8]
Seek Medical Care If Needed
The chance of death is estimated to drop from an estimated 10% to less than 1% with early detection and medical treatment of severe dengue.[1]Therefore, it is important to seek medical care if you experience any warning symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, and rapid breathing.[2]
While there is still no specific treatment for dengue,[2] anyone can take preventive steps. An integrated dengue prevention strategy includes vector control, public education, personal protection, disease tracking, and vaccination.
Speak to your doctor about dengue prevention including vaccination today.
References
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
World Health Organisation. Dengue and Severe Dengue | https://tinyurl.com/4vvup2j5 | Accessed on August 26, 2022.
World Health Organisation. (2022) National Guideline for Clinical Management of Dengue. |https://tinyurl.com/5b9uhsa8 | Accessed on August 26, 2022
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
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
MIMS. Supportive Therapy | MIMS Malaysia | https://tinyurl.com/23p2arr7 | Accessed on August 26, 2022
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
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
C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0386 JAN 2025
This article is brought to you by Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
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
