10 things about dengue: Causes, phases, and clinical features
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, progresses through febrile, critical, and recovery phases with varied symptoms from high fever and body aches to plasma leakage and shock. Diagnosis involves blood tests and antigen detection. Management includes hydration, monitoring, and supportive care, with hospitalization required in severe or warning sign cases.
Rapid spread of dengue One of the most rapidly spreading diseases that causes fever is dengue, and it occurs due to a virus known as the flavivirus. Dengue is usually transmitted by mosquitoes, and is one of the commonest infections caused by viruses. The affected person undergoes multiple stages when the flavivirus infects the body.(Image: Canva)
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Human host and vector While suffering from dengue, the human body becomes the host for the amplification of the virus. After feeding on an infected individual, the mosquitoes become infected too (after two weeks). The organism that transmits the virus is known as Aedes aegypti, which breeds in stagnant water.(Image: Canva)
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Spectrum of disease Dengue is often a dynamic disease, and can have a wide spectrum of symptoms and signs. The clinical manifestations may be severe or non-severe. There are three phases of dengue, namely, febrile phase, critical phase or recovery phase, and each phase shows different features.(Image: Canva)
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Febrile phase features During the febrile phase, there is a sudden onset of high-grade fever, and it may last for two to seven days. The person’s face may become flushed, and intense body ache may be experienced. Pain in the muscles and the joints is also common during this phase. Nausea and vomiting may also be present.(Image: Canva)
Saddle back fever Saddle back fever is one of the characteristic signs of dengue, and it subsides after three or four days, only to return with other symptoms. Bleeding from the nose and gums may be seen in some cases, and the liver may enlarge in size and become tender.(Image: Canva)
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Critical phase changes In the critical phase, the fever abates, and there is an increase seen in the capillary permeability. The plasma (the pale-coloured component of blood that carries nutrients) begins to leak out from the capillaries. This may lead to pleural effusion and collection of fluid in the abdomen.(Image: Canva)
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Risk of shock When the critical volume of plasma leakage is reached, the person may experience shock, and must be managed immediately. If the shock is left untreated, it may lead to reduced blood flow to the organs, and can lead to progressive impairment of organs. Some patients may improve after the critical state and some may have dengue with warning signs.(Image: Canva)
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Recovery phase signs When the affected individual survives the critical phase of twenty-four to forty-eight hours, they enter the recovery phase. There is usually an improvement in the general well-being of the affected person, and the appetite returns. The gastrointestinal symptoms also disappear.(Image: Canva)
Key diagnostic tests A number of investigations may be advised, like a complete blood count, which shows increasing haemoglobin and reduced platelet count. A liver function test and RT-PCR may be recommended to find the diagnosis. The NS1 antigen in the serum may also aid in confirming dengue.(Image: Canva)
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Treatment and management An overall assessment is made, and the severity and phase of the disease is determined. Some may be treated at home, while others may require hospital admission. People with warning signs may also need emergency treatment. Fluid intake is encouraged and drugs like paracetamol may be given.(Image: Canva)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
