This page provides a simple explanation of what the dengue virus is. Dengue virus symptoms, Dengue virus stages, Dengue fever precautions and therapy How can we tell if we are infected with the Dengue virus or not? Discussion on Dengue Fever Symptoms, Stages, Precautions, and Treatment.
What is Dengue Virus? | Symptoms, Stages, Precautions, Treatment of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by infected mosquito bites. The principal carriers of the disease are Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. albopictus. Dengue virus is the name given to the virus that causes dengue (DENV).
How Dengue Larvae formed?
Larvae develop from mosquito eggs after the water level rises high enough to cover the eggs. This means that rainwater or humans pouring water to egg containers will cause the larvae to hatch. Larvae consume bacteria found in water. The larva develops into a pupa after three molts.
Symptoms:
Mild dengue symptoms can be mistaken for other infections that produce fever, aches and pains, or a rash.
- Belly pain, tenderness
- Vomiting several times a day.
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
- Feeling tired, restless, or irritable
Stages:
Dengue fever strikes suddenly after a typical incubation period of 5-7 days, and the disease progresses through three stages: febrile, critical, and convalescent.
1. Febrile
Stage of acute fever from 1st day to 5th, Patients develops a high temperature (39-40 degrees Celsius) with discomfort, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting at this stage. Antipyretics, such as paracetamol, are helpful for lowering body temperature and preventing fluid loss. Rehydration with meals and electrolyte fluid will replace the fluid in the patients’ circulation. Seek medical assistance immediately if the patient, particularly children, does not eat or drink enough and appears weak.
2. Critical
Critical stage from 5th day to 7th when the body temperature lowers, generally within 24 hours, the plasma (fluid component of blood) spills and the blood pressure drops. Patients will feel restless, weak, have cold clammy skin, a quick pulse, and in severe cases with very low platelets, they may vomit up blood, have internal hemorrhage, and die from circulatory or respiratory failure as a result of internal bleeding/ fluid retention. It is critical to administer sufficient intravenous fluid to patients at this stage to prevent poor blood perfusion to crucial organs and to avoid overloading the fluid in terms of preventing third space leaks.
3. Convalescent
Convalescent period. It takes a few days for patients to return to normal. Patients will regain their appetite (A), have a slower pulse rate (Bradycardia=B), a convalescent rash on their legs and arms (C), and pass more water (Diuresis=D) during this period. These steps are denoted by the letters A-B-C-D.
Precautions:
Wearing clothing that covers the entire body applying mosquito repellent on the body using mosquito nets making use of window and door screens before using camping equipment or clothing, apply bug repellent. Avoid being outside at dawn, dusk, and early evening if possible. Avoid camping near still water and eliminate any stagnant water around the house. Check that no water is pooling in the drains, plant pots, or other features.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever.
- Drink plenty of fluids while recuperating from dengue fever.
- If you have any of the following signs and symptoms of dehydration, contact your doctor straight away.