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Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever – also known as severe dengue – which can bring about significant internal bleeding and organ failure1 . Dengue is common in more than 100 countries around the world. Forty percent of the world’s population, about 3 billion people, live in areas with a risk of dengue2. Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas3.
Anyone who lives in or travels to an area with risk of dengue is at risk for infection4.
Infection with the dengue virus can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it may lead to severe dengue or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal. However, most people infected show no symptoms at all.5
Symptoms that do develop usually appear within three to seven days (and sometimes up to 14 days) after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They generally include:5
Symptoms of severe dengue and dengue shock syndrome include:5
The four types of dengue viruses that cause dengue fever are spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes, with the highest risk during the day from sunrise to sunset6.
At present, the main method to control or prevent the transmission of dengue virus is to combat vector mosquitoes3. Travelers to dengue-prone regions should protect themselves from mosquito bites, whether outside or inside buildings.8
Protections include:
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. But infected patients can recover and control their symptoms with medical care.10
A person who recovers from one of the four types of dengue will have lifelong immunity against that particular type but not against the three others. Immunity from one type can also increase the risk of developing severe dengue if exposed to any of the other types.5
For further information regarding dengue fever, please speak with your healthcare provider.
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