Dengue is a viral infection which occurs to you when you have a transmission of the dengue virus (DENV) caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. As you have this viral infection, you can experience body ache, pain around eyes, high fever, joint pains, headache, nausea, skin rash, myalgia. Your illness can vary from another person, and you could be asymptomatic if your illness is in the very early stage. Some of you have mild to severe infection from the very first day after a mosquito’s bite.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of people on this earth are at a higher risk of dengue. Around 100-400 million dengue cases get reported each year, especially during rains. 

Many people have minor or no symptoms of dengue. They recover from their illness within 1-2 weeks. In very rare cases, dengue can be severe and death causing. Here are some common signs and symptoms of dengue that usually appear after 4-10 days of infection:

• Skin rash
• High fever ((104°C)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Eye pain
• Joint and muscle pains
• Swollen glands
• Severe headache

Some people might experience severe dengue symptoms as their fever goes away.    

In general, dengue happens to a person when an infected mosquito bites him/her. After 4-10 days or from the first day of infection, the person starts experiencing respective symptoms. It usually occurs due to the dengue virus, DENV. It could happen to any person. However, it severely affects people with chronic health issues like:

In severe cases, dengue could lead a person to have organ damage and internal bleeding. You might experience a sudden decrease in blood pressure that could lead you to have a shock. In a very rare case, it could lead a person to death. A pregnant woman could transmit the virus to her baby if she had dengue during her pregnancy. The baby could have a low birth weight or preterm birth if his/her mother had dengue during her pregnancy.   

You should immediately consult your doctor if you have visited a tropical area or experience a mosquito bite. Never make a delay if you have been experiencing high fever for more than 3 days. After interacting with you and conducting a physical examination, your doctor will advise you with the most suitable treatment plan that might include medications, precautions, and vaccines. Your doctor may advise you to take a vaccine, Dengvaxia, if you are between 9 and 45 years. You may need to take three doses of this vaccine in 12 months as per your doctor’s recommendation.    

Dengue can happen to anyone living or visiting tropical areas or having bad water storage habits. However, you can prevent yourself from this viral infection. Here are some effective preventive tips for you:

Dengue is a vector borne disease that usually spreads on rainy days through an infected mosquito’s bite. It is treatable if addressed well in the mild to moderate stages. Having an idea about dengue symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, and preventive tips will facilitate you prevent yourself from this viral infection.