Phases of Dengue: What You Need to Know

Remember those lessons about dengue in school? Here's a quick recap of essential information about the disease! The dengue virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, isn't just a concern for tropical places; it affects people globally more often than you might realise. In this guide, we're breaking down the basics of dengue – from its phases to how it's diagnosed and treated. 

Understanding Dengue

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.¹ Although only 1 in 4 people may experience symptoms of dengue, severe dengue may have lead to long term health complications and even death.¹ 

It is important to seek medical help early to avoid severe dengue from impacting your health.

What Are the Dengue Phases?

Let's look at the 3 main phases of dengue:²

Stage 1: Fever Phase (also known as Febrile phase)

Patients experiencing dengue may first encounter a high fever of 40 degrees celsius that lasts for around 2 to 7 days.² Patients may also experience rashes, body pains, vomiting, and headaches.²

Stage 2: Critical Phase

The critical period may last 24-48 hours after the fever phase. This is usually when dengue develops serious symptoms such as leaky vessels that may lead to internal complications or bleeding gums/nose.² At this point, it is crucial for patients to receive medical attention. Doctors will need to keep a close eye on the patient as there is no treatment for dengue.

Stage 3: Recovery/Reabsorption Phase

After the critical phase follows the recovery phase. As the body starts to reabsorb fluids that it lost, patients may start to feel better. Although the recovery phase is assumed to take around 24 to 48 hours, some patients may take a longer time to recover from rashes or the mental/physical exhaustion caused by dengue ²

How to Diagnose Dengue

Diagnosing dengue involves a multi-faceted approach, combining clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. At this point in time, dengue is diagnosed by physicians in healthcare facilities.

The process includes:

1. Clinical Evaluation: Doctors will ask about and inspect your symptoms. They might also ask about your recent travel history.³

2. Blood and/other Laboratory Tests: Doctors may order a blood test to ensure that your blood and organs are in good shape. Blood tests may help detect infection and health concerns early. These tests may also detect dengue antibodies in your blood to confirm a diagnosis.²

Treating Dengue

Although there is no treatment for dengue infections, healthcare teams may relieve dengue symptoms through medications, such as paracetamol, and hydration. In severe cases of dengue, blood transfusions may be administered.⁴⁵

Due to the uncertain and quick progression of dengue from mild to severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention early.

Can Severe Dengue Get Better?

Severe dengue is a serious complication of dengue infection characterised by a heightened risk of severe bleeding and organ damage.¹ With early detection and prompt intervention, symptoms of severe dengue may be managed to reduce further complications.¹ It is crucial to seek professional help promptly to manage severe dengue effectively and reduce the risk of complications.

Navigating Dengue and Promoting Awareness

In conclusion, navigating the phases of dengue involves understanding its clinical progression, simplifying the diagnosis process, and exploring treatment methods. By appreciating the stages of dengue, we can empower individuals and communities to prevent and manage dengue better. Let's stand resilient and informed against the challenges posed by this mosquito-borne illness.

References

1. “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 22 December 2023.
2. “CPG - Dengue New Revised edition (new).indd.” Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/attachments/5502.pdf. Accessed 22 December 2023.
3. “Diagnosis | Dengue.” CDC, 13 June 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/healthcare-providers/diagnosis.html. Accessed 22 December 2023.
4. “Symptoms and Treatment | Dengue.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/symptoms/index.html. Accessed 22 December 2023.
5. “Transfusion support in patients with dengue fever.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4181139/. Accessed 22 December 2023.

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/0281 June 2024