Dengue fever is a disease caused by infection with the dengue virus. The dengue virus itself is a virus that can be transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which then enters the body and causes fever, headaches, joint pain, and rashes on the skin.
How is dengue fever transmitted?
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), Zika and chikungunya can be transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. Usually, this type of mosquito breeds in areas that are damp and have lots of standing water.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
There are several signs and symptoms of dengue fever that can be felt by sufferers of dengue fever, including:
- Sudden high fever
Dengue fever begins with a sudden and high fever, usually reaching 39-40°C or more. This fever can last for 2-7 days. - Severe pain in the head
Headache is a common symptom of dengue fever, which is often intense. This headache can be localized behind the eyes, forehead, and the back of the head. - Muscle and joint pain
Pain in muscles and joints often occurs in dengue fever, especially in the back, knees and ankles. This pain can be very severe and interfere with daily activities. - Rashes on the skin
The skin rash often appears after the fever is on day 3 or 4, and usually looks like small red dots on the skin. This rash usually appears on the underside of the arms and legs, as well as on the face. - Pain behind the eye
Pain behind the eyes is common in dengue fever, and may be accompanied by blurred vision or eye discomfort. - Weakness and exhaustion
Weakness and fatigue are also common symptoms of dengue fever, which can occur for several weeks after infection. - Decreased appetite
Appetite is often decreased in dengue fever, and patients often experience nausea or vomiting. - Bleeding
Bleeding may occur in some patients with dengue fever, such as nosebleeds, nose or gum bleeding, skin bleeding, or more serious internal bleeding. - Shock
Shock is a very serious symptom of dengue fever, which usually occurs in patients with more severe dengue. Shock may be accompanied by low blood pressure, a rapid and weak heartbeat, and decreased consciousness. This situation requires immediate medical treatment.
Those are some of the symptoms and transmission of dengue fever. If you or your closest relative experiences the symptoms above, immediately visit the nearest trusted doctor to get proper treatment quickly.
Article written by dr. Sandy Perkasa, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).