The Different Types of Dengue: Dengue Fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, and Dengue Shock Syndrome
Dengue fever is a huge public health concern in India, affecting millions of people annually. The World Health Organization estimates that there are around 390 million cases of dengue globally every year, with a significant number resulting in serious complications.
The disease is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Understanding the various dengue fever categories is crucial for effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This blog discusses in detail the various types of dengue and their symptoms and provides some tips on how to prevent dengue.
What is Dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. The virus spreads primarily through mosquito bites. While most patients recover within one to two weeks, severe dengue can develop in some cases, leading to hospitalisation and even death.
There are four types of dengue virus, and each has the potential to cause severe illness. They are:
1. DENV-1: Usually causes little to no bleeding and a high fever; however, patients are generally able to eat and drink regularly.
2. DENV-2: Patients experience excruciating pain that makes it difficult for them to eat or drink, along with a pale complexion, cold hands and feet, and a weak pulse.
3. DENV-3: Symptoms may include a sudden decrease in blood pressure, excessive bleeding, and severe weakness, which can make it difficult to consume liquids and solid food.
4. DENV-4: The most serious type exhibiting shock symptoms and a significant drop in blood pressure.
What are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?
Common dengue symptoms include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle, bone, or joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain behind the eyes
- Swollen glands
- Skin rash (appears 2-5 days after the fever starts)
What is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a serious form of dengue fever that occurs in individuals infected with the dengue virus. It mainly affects children and is more likely to develop in those who have previously had dengue. DHF is marked by more severe symptoms than regular dengue fever, primarily due to the immune system’s reaction to the virus.
What are the Signs of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?
Common symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Marked temperature changes
- Experience unusual skin bruising
- Bleeding
- Hematemesis and Hematochezia
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritability
- Frequent vomiting
What is Dengue Shock Syndrome?
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) is a severe complication of dengue fever characterised by significant blood vessel leakage that poses a serious risk to one’s health. This illness may cause symptoms like low blood pressure, dyspnea, dysphagia, liver damage, disorientation, and even heart issues. Dengue Shock Syndrome, or DSS, is a significant medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
What are the Symptoms of Dengue Shock Syndrome?
Common symptoms of dengue shock syndrome include:
- Shock (low blood pressure)
- Bleeding (nose, gums, gastrointestinal tract, bruising)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Rapid breathing
- Altered mental status (disorientation, tiredness, or coma)
What are the Prevention Strategies for Dengue?
Below are some ways to prevent dengue:
1. Protecting Against Mosquito Bites
● Put on clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
● Use mosquito nets during the day if resting, especially insect-repellent-treated nets.
● To prevent mosquitoes from entering homes, install window screens.
● Make use of insect repellents with DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.
● Use mosquito coils and vaporisers to keep mosquitoes away.
2. Preventing Mosquito Breeding
● Eliminate or manage standing water, as it is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
● Make sure to properly dispose of solid garbage and get rid of any artificial containers that can collect water.
● Cover, empty, and clean domestic water storage containers weekly.
● Apply insecticides to outdoor water storage containers to kill mosquito larvae.
3. Dengue Vaccine
● In some countries, the QDenga vaccine has been approved for children aged 6 to 16 in high-risk areas.
● Additional vaccines are being evaluated for wider use.
If anyone is experiencing dengue symptoms, they should consult their healthcare professional immediately and schedule a dengue test with Dr Lal PathLabs today.
FAQs
1. What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?
A severe form of dengue infection known as dengue hemorrhagic fever primarily affects children and may have potentially fatal outcomes such as bleeding and circulatory collapse.
2. What are the signs of dengue shock syndrome (DSS)?
Dengue shock syndrome is characterised by low blood pressure, bleeding from the nose or gums, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and altered mental status. This condition is a medical emergency that necessitates prompt medical intervention.
3. How is dengue fever diagnosed?
The diagnosis process usually involves a physical examination, evaluation of symptoms, and blood testing to determine whether the dengue virus is present.
4. What are the four types of dengue fever?
The dengue virus (DENV) has four types: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Each type can cause severe illness, including dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever.
