Does High Fever Means Dengue fever?

Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know | DoctorOnCall


What is Dengue Virus?

Dengue, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, takes place specifically in tropical regions. Dengue fever on the other hand, its common shape, brings surprising excessive fever, headache, joint ache, and fatigue. Though many cases clear up with care, extreme dengue, known as intense dengue or referred to as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause life-threatening complications like hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome.

Early Mild Symptoms of Dengue

Dengue fever usually starts with a sudden onset of signs which can mimic the ones of different viral illnesses, making diagnosis challenging without proper medical evaluation. The early symptoms of dengue frequently include:

  • High Fever: One of the hallmark signs and symptoms of dengue fever is a surprising and high fever, accomplishing temperatures of 104°F (40°C) or higher. 

  • Severe Headache: The headache is frequently defined as throbbing or pounding and can be annoyed by using movement or bright lighting fixtures.

  • Joint and Muscle Pain: Dengue fever generally causes joint and muscle ache, regularly known as myalgia and arthralgia, which motivate fatigue.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals with dengue fever experience nausea and vomiting, which could contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if now not managed correctly.

  • Skin Rash: A moderate, generalized rash may expand in some instances of dengue fever, usually performing some days after the onset of the fever as red spots or patches on the skin.


Complications

Some people may also revel in complications that require near tracking and management. The following severe headaches are frequently associated with dengue fever:

  1. Dehydration: People with dengue fever can become dehydrated if they keep puking, having diarrhea, or having a high fever. When the body loses more water than it takes in, chemical changes and weak spots happen. Intravenous fluids may be needed to replace salts and fluids that have been lost.

  2. Hemorrhagic Fever: People who have severe dengue fever can get this condition, which is marked by bleeding, plasma leaks, and low platelet numbers. Hemorrhagic symptoms like nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and stomach bleeding can be caused by DHF, which has sparked scientific interest.

  3. Organ Dysfunction: A liver problem can show up as jaundice and higher liver tests. Acute kidney damage can happen from not drinking enough water and not getting enough blood flow to the kidneys.

  4. Dengue Shock Syndrome: Deficiency of plasma and low blood pressure cause severe shock in dengue shock syndrome (DSS), the worst form of dengue fever. 

  5. Neurological Complications: Although rare, there is a small chance that dengue fever will cause neurological complications like encephalitis, meningitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

  6. Reactive Thrombocytopenia: It is the short-term drop in platelet counts caused by dengue fever because of increased platelet breakdown and reduced production. Even while moderate thrombocytopenia is not rare with dengue fever, severe cases might need platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding problems.

Recognizing severe dengue signs and getting clinical help right away is vital. Early detection and proper care are key to preventing critical headaches and enhancing outcomes for those with intense dengue fever.


Dengue Vaccine for Dengue Fever

The development of the Qdenga vaccine by Takeda Pharmaceutical is a key step toward dengue fever therapy. This live attenuated tetravalent vaccination protects against all four dengue virus serotypes, which is critical for avoiding serious disease. 

Dengue vaccination, including the strategic use of vaccines like Qdenga, plays a pivotal role in efforts to prevent dengue, especially in reducing the incidence of severe disease and hospitalizations. These vaccines are designed to protect against dengue virus infection from the dengue viruses, offering a shield against the different serotypes responsible for the disease. 

It’s essential to reinforce vaccination efforts with comprehensive mosquito control and public awareness campaigns to achieve maximum effectiveness in dengue prevention.

References:

  1. Schaefer, Timothy J., et al. “Dengue Fever.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 6 March 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430732/. Accessed 16 May 2024.
  2. Trivedi, Sweety, and Ambar Chakravarty. “Neurological Complications of Dengue Fever.” Current neurology and neuroscience reports vol. 22,8 (2022): 515-529. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-022-01213-7. Accessed 16 May 2024.
  3. Parveen, Shakeela et al. “Dengue hemorrhagic fever: a growing global menace.” Journal of water and health vol. 21,11 (2023): 1632-1650. https://iwaponline.com/jwh/article/21/11/1632/98218/Dengue-hemorrhagic-fever-a-growing-global-menace. Accessed 16 May 2024.
  4. Wong, Joshua M et al. “Dengue: A Growing Problem With New Interventions.” Pediatrics vol. 149,6 (2022): e2021055522. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/149/6/e2021055522/187012/Dengue-A-Growing-Problem-With-New-Interventions?autologincheck=redirected Accessed 16 May 2024.