Before we begin: Dengue is an infection caused by a virus. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. Learn more about risk and prevention.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about dengue. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is dengue? Dengue is a viral infection. It can be caused by four related viruses. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. It is common in warm, wet areas of the world. Although rare, it can be found in some parts of the United States. Outbreaks are more common during rainy seasons.
How does dengue spread? Dengue spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. It does not spread directly from person to person. However, the infection can be passed to the baby during pregnancy. In rare cases, it can spread through a blood transfusion, organ transplant, or needle stick injury (an accidental injury from a used needle)..
What are the symptoms of dengue and severe dengue? About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For those who do get sick, the infection can be mild or severe. The symptoms of dengue include:
A high fever
Nausea and vomiting
Rash
Aches and pains (eye pain, usually behind the eyes, and pain in the muscles, joints, or bones)
The symptoms usually last two to seven days.
Severe dengue is a serious form of the illness. About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. It can cause shock, internal bleeding, and even death. People are more likely to develop severe dengue if they have had dengue before, are pregnant, or are infants.
Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin about 24 - 48 hours after your fever has gone away. If you or your family member have these signs, get immediate medical care:
Severe abdominal (belly) pain and tenderness
Vomiting at least 3 times in 24 hours
Bleeding from the nose or gums
Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool (poop)
Feeling tired, restless, or irritable
How is dengue diagnosed? There is a blood test which can show if you have been infected with dengue.
What are the treatments for dengue? There is no specific medicine to treat dengue. Most people will get better after about a week. But if you think you might have dengue:
See a health care provider and mention any recent travel.
Rest as much as possible.
Take acetaminophen to control fever and relieve pain. But do not take aspirin or ibuprofen.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Severe dengue often requires care at a hospital.
Can dengue be prevented? In the United States, a dengue vaccine is approved for children who are ages 9 - 16. They must also have previously had dengue and live in areas where dengue is common.
You can also help prevent dengue by avoiding mosquito bites:
Wear insect repellent with DEET or another U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. Make sure to follow the instructions for using the repellant.
Wear clothes that cover your arms, legs and feet.
Close unscreened doors and windows.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Also known as: Break-bone fever, Dengue fever.
Related topics: Break-bone Fever.
Categories: Infections.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding dengue is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.