Dengue fever cases rise: 6 early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Waterlogging and stagnant water during the monsoon have led to a sharp surge in dengue cases. Spotting early symptoms like high fever, rash, and severe fatigue can help prevent complications (Image: Pexels)

Waterlogged streets and stagnant water are common during the peak monsoon season in South Asia and has again created the perfect conditions for mosquitoes, causing dengue cases to spike across the country. Dengue fever is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and can lead to serious health issues if it is not quickly diagnosed and treated.

“It is important to identify the warning signs of dengue early on in order to avoid severe illness or hospitalization,” explains Mumbai-based consultant internal medicine specialist Dr. Karan Desai.

Do not ignore these six early symptoms of dengue:

An abnormally high temperature

A high fever — one of the most common and early dengue signs — often reaches up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). “Unlike regular viral fevers, dengue commonly begins with an abrupt rise in temperature that cannot be managed with regular medication,” warns Dr Desai.

Also Read: 4 tips to build your immunity through diet during monsoon season

Excruciating headache and eye pain

Obstinate headaches constantly felt in upper head are the predominant feature of dengue. Also associated with this is retro-orbital pain – a serious ache right behind the eyes that is exacerbated by looking from side to side. This is that raging headache that is a warning sign that should be treated immediately — it often fails to respond to common pain relievers.

Aching Bones and Muscles ("breakbone fever”)

Dengue It is also called “breakbone fever,” a vivid description of the muscle and joint pain from which it can make sufferers suffer. The back, arm, and leg pain is often severe and debilitating to the patient. Muscle and joint pain in dengue can be particularly debilitating “even if you’ve been resting all day,” Dr. Desai said, “and can make you feel incredibly tired.”

Red spots and skin rashes

Red spots may appear 3-5 days after the fever begins, sometimes causing itching. Petechiae, which are small red or purple dots that can appear when blood vessels under the skin break, are also often a sign of internal bleeding. If you see these rashes and they are accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Also Read: Ivermectin pill kills mosquitoes: reduces malaria by 26 percent, finds study

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting

Nausea and vomiting, along with a marked loss of appetite, are also common early signs of dengue. One difficulty with COVID-19 is the fact that these symptoms can make it even harder to stay hydrated — and that can make the disease worse.

“Even if patients don’t feel like eating, they should drink sips of electrolyte-rich fluids," said Dr. Desai.

Exhaustion and Restlessness

Severe fatigue and weakness, often disproportionate to that observed in common viral infection, can be present in with dengue, even in early phase of infection. Drowsiness and irritability can occur in adults and children. “Fatigue that gets worse after fever develops can be a warning sign that the infection has progressed to a more severe form of dengue,” cautions Dr. Desai.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis