Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the Dengue virus, transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes. The disease is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Dengue fever can be a serious illness, and severe cases can be life-threatening, so it is crucial for individuals showing symptoms to consult a healthcare professional.
What Causes Dengue Fever?
The causes of dengue fever are as follows:
Dengue Virus: Dengue fever is caused by the Dengue virus, which manifests after infection with one of four different serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).
Mosquito Bites: The Dengue virus spreads to humans through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Breeding Grounds: Aedes mosquitoes prefer to breed in stagnant water pools. These areas facilitate the spread of the virus.
High Population Density and Urbanization: High population density and rapid urbanization increase the breeding and spreading opportunities for mosquitoes, contributing to the spread of the disease.
Climate: Tropical and subtropical climates are conducive to the spread of mosquitoes carrying the Dengue virus. Hot and humid weather conditions in these regions lead to an increase in mosquito populations.
What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?
The symptoms of dengue fever are as follows:
- sudden onset of high fever
- severe headache
- muscle and joint pains
- rash
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue and weakness
How Is Dengue Fever Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of dengue fever involves a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, and laboratory tests:
Clinical Symptoms and History: The onset of high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea, and vomiting are considered.
Physical Examination: The doctor evaluates the patient’s overall condition and looks for typical dengue fever symptoms.
Complete Blood Count: White blood cells, platelet count, and hematocrit levels are examined. Dengue fever can be characterized by thrombocytopenia and hemoconcentration.
Serological Tests: Blood tests are conducted to detect antibodies (IgM and IgG) developed against the Dengue virus.
Molecular Tests (PCR): A PCR test can be carried out to detect the genetic material (RNA) of the virus. This test is used to confirm the virus in the early stages of infection.
NS1 Antigen Test: A test for the detection of the NS1 antigen of the Dengue virus can be applied in the early stages of infection.
How Is Dengue Fever Treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Treatment involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications:
Oral Rehydration Solutions: Oral fluid intake is encouraged to prevent dehydration.
Intravenous Fluids: Intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary in severe cases or for patients who cannot take fluids orally.
Paracetamol: It can be safely used for fever and pain, but dosage instructions should be followed.
Avoid NSAIDs: Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of bleeding and should not be used.
Rest: Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous physical activities.
Medical Monitoring: Hospitalization and intensive medical monitoring may be required if severe dengue fever symptoms develop.
Shock and Bleeding Management: Severe dengue fever can lead to shock. In such cases, rapid fluid replacement and blood products may be necessary.
Monitoring Organ Functions: Kidney, liver, and other organ functions should be closely monitored.
Preventive Measures: The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites. This includes using mosquito repellents, wearing appropriate clothing, using mosquito nets, and eliminating mosquito breeding areas.
Vaccination: Some countries have approved vaccines against dengue fever. Vaccination can be an option for individuals living in or traveling to endemic regions.
How Should Dengue Fever Be Managed?
The management of dengue fever varies based on the severity of the disease and the patient’s overall health condition:
Early Diagnosis and Monitoring: Early diagnosis and regular monitoring of dengue fever are critical to prevent the disease from progressing to severe forms.
Fluid Intake: Oral rehydration solutions or plenty of fluids like water should be encouraged.
Pain and Fever Management: Fever and pain can be controlled using paracetamol. NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen should not be used.
Rest: It is important for patients to rest and avoid strenuous physical activities.
Hospitalization: Patients with severe symptoms should be hospitalized.
Intravenous Fluid Therapy: Intravenous fluid therapy should be applied for patients showing signs of hypotension or shock.
Regular Blood Tests: Platelet counts and hematocrit levels should be regularly monitored.
Blood Transfusions: Blood transfusions can be performed if necessary.
Monitoring Organ Functions: Kidney, liver, and other organ functions should be closely monitored.
Intensive Care Treatment: Intensive care treatment may be required for conditions such as organ failure or severe bleeding.
Shock Management: Rapid fluid replacement should be performed in cases of severe fluid loss and bleeding.
Bleeding Control: Patients showing signs of bleeding should be closely monitored, and medical intervention should be provided if necessary.
Education and Awareness: Patients and their families should be informed about the symptoms, management, and prevention of the disease.
Environmental Measures: Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds (e.g., removing stagnant water pools) is important.
Personal Protection: The use of mosquito repellents, wearing appropriate clothing, and using mosquito nets should be encouraged.
