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What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquito and caused by the dengue fever virus.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

How does a dengue fever infection occur?

The dengue virus is transmitted between people via mosquito bites.

How common is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a common disease in many tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. It is among the fastest-spreading infectious diseases in the world. Millions of cases of dengue fever occur each year.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Many people who catch the dengue virus show no symptoms at all. Early symptoms of dengue fever include high fever; severe headache; severe pain behind the eyes; bone, muscle and joint pain; rashes; swollen glands; nausea and vomiting; bleeding from …

Who gets dengue fever?

Anyone can be infected by dengue fever if bitten by a mosquito that transmits the virus.

How is dengue fever diagnosed?

Your doctor or other health professional will diagnose dengue fever by observing the clinical signs and by performing specific blood tests.

How is dengue fever treated?

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Antibiotics and existing antiviral medications have no effect on the virus. If you are suffering from dengue fever, treatment will focus on rest, replacing fluids, pain and fever relief and management of other …

Is dengue fever serious?

Dengue fever can cause serious harm, including death. Good supportive treatment can greatly lower the risk of death.

Can I prevent being infected with dengue fever?

No effective dengue fever vaccine is available. You can lower your risk of infection by avoiding mosquito bites. Be aware that Aedes mosquitoes, the ones mainly responsible for transmitting dengue fever, are mostly active during the day.

Can I be re-infected with dengue fever?

Yes. There are four types of dengue fever virus and a past infection with one of them does not protect against future infections with any of the other three types.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 03 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 1073 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Mosquito-borne illnesses

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