DENGUE FEVER

What is Dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by the bite of a certain type of mosquito. It is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe body aches it causes.

Usually Dengue fever results in a relatively mild illness, especially for children. The disease is more severe in adults.

Where does it occur?

Dengue fever is found mostly in tropical areas of:

Africa
Asia
Caribbean countries
Central and South America
Mexico
the Pacific.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually begin 5 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms include:

sudden onset of high fever
severe headache
a rash that may appear over most of the body 3 to 4 days after the fever begins
swollen glands
severe muscle and joint pain
nausea and vomiting
flushing of the face
pain behind the eyes or with movement of the eyes.

How is it diagnosed?

Dengue fever may be suspected in anyone who has symptoms of the disease and who has traveled to a tropical climate. Your healthcare provider can order a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. Use acetaminophen to control fever and pain if necessary. Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen. Do not take aspirin because it has blood-thinning properties and increases the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.

Although dengue fever generally results in a relatively mild illness, some cases can result in dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be very serious and even fatal. See a healthcare provider right away if these serious symptoms develop:

unusual bleeding such as bleeding skin , bleeding gums, or nosebleeds
weak, rapid pulse
trouble breathing
cold, clammy skin
unusual restlessness.

How can dengue fever be prevented?

To prevent dengue fever, take precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes:

Schedule travel to tropical areas during the seasons when mosquitoes are less active.
Stay in facilities that are clean, insect free, and have air conditioning or well-screened windows.
When in a mosquito-infested area, avoid wearing colognes, perfumes, and other scented products.
Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, when mosquitoes are most likely to be around.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
Use an insect repellent on skin that is not covered by clothing.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in water. To reduce mosquito breeding, drain standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels, cans, and other items that collect water.
Avoid swimming in small ponds or lagoons, which are mosquito-breeding areas.

For additional information, visit the World Health Organization's Web site at www.who.int. You may also contact The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 888-232-3228 or visit their Web site at www.cdc.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File INF4507F.HTM Release 9.0/2006