Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and More

Feeling unwell with a sudden fever or unusual aches can be worrying, especially when you don’t know what’s behind it. Dengue fever is one possible cause, spread through mosquito bites in certain areas. While most people recover fully, it's helpful to recognise what signs to look for and understand what puts someone at risk. 

This guide is here to help you learn about dengue fever clearly—what causes it, how it affects your body, and when it’s important to speak with a doctor.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It is often referred to as a mosquito-borne viral infection. When a dengue mosquito bites a person already infected, it can spread the virus to others. The illness often leads to high fever, body aches, and fatigue. 

Although it can feel severe, many people recover with rest, hydration, and supportive care. Understanding the condition can help you manage it calmly and take the right steps if symptoms appear.

Who Does Dengue Fever Affect?

Anyone bitten by an infected mosquito can get dengue fever, but not everyone who’s infected becomes ill. You are more at risk if you spend time in warm, humid areas where mosquitoes thrive. 

People of all ages can be affected, although children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems may have a harder time recovering. The condition can also be more serious if you’ve had it before or live in places where the virus spreads easily.

Can You Be Immune To Dengue Fever?

Once you recover from dengue fever, your body develops immunity to the specific serotype of the virus you were infected with. However, there are four distinct dengue virus serotypes, so immunity to one does not protect against the others.

There are four known types of the dengue virus. Here's what to know:

• You gain lifelong immunity to the strain you were infected with.
• However, you’re still vulnerable to the other three types.
• Getting dengue a second time with a different strain increases your risk of severe illness.
• Your body recognises the first strain but may not defend well against others, making the infection potentially more serious.
• This process is called antibody-dependent enhancement.
• If you have had dengue before, be cautious and protect yourself from mosquito bites in the future.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

When you get dengue fever, symptoms may appear four to ten days after being bitten. At first, it can feel like the flu, but there are signs that make it different.

Common dengue symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever, often around 40°C (104°F)
• Intense headache, especially behind the eyes
• Muscle, bone, or joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash, usually appearing a few days after the fever starts
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Mild bleeding such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Swollen glands

Symptoms typically last between 2 to 7 days. Most individuals begin to feel better as the fever subsides. If your symptoms seem to worsen after the fever drops, it’s important to seek medical care promptly.

Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)

In certain cases, dengue can progress to a more severe form known as severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever. This can occur when the blood vessels become leaky and the number of platelets in your blood drops.

Watch for these signs:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding from gums or nose
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Fatigue or restlessness
• Rapid breathing
• Bruising or bleeding under the skin

Causes of Dengue Fever

Causes of dengue virus lie in the bite of an infected mosquito. The two main mosquito species responsible are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Here’s how the virus spreads:

• A mosquito bites a person already infected with the dengue fever virus.
• The virus multiplies inside the mosquito over several days.
• When that mosquito bites another person, it passes the virus into their bloodstream.
• The virus cannot spread directly from one person to another.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue often bite during daylight, especially early morning or late afternoon.
• These mosquitoes breed in standing water, such as flower pots, tyres, and buckets.

Understanding how the virus spreads helps with dengue prevention.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your chance of getting dengue or developing complications from it. Being aware helps you make informed choices.

Here are key risk factors:

• Living in or visiting areas where dengue is common
• Being bitten by mosquitoes in urban or densely populated locations
• Having had dengue before—repeat infections can be more severe
• Weakened immune system or chronic conditions
• Being pregnant, as the virus can affect the baby
• Poor mosquito control in the area (stagnant water, no screens on windows)
• Lack of protective clothing or repellent use
• Sudden outbreaks in your community or neighbourhood

Taking steps to protect yourself in high-risk areas is vital.

Complications

While many recover without any issues, dengue fever can sometimes cause complications, especially if not managed properly.

These can include:

• Dehydration from vomiting and high fever
• Low platelet count, which increases bleeding risk
• Damage to blood vessels, leading to fluid leakage
• Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
• Low blood pressure or shock
• Bleeding in internal organs
• Long-term fatigue even after recovery
• Premature birth or complications during pregnancy

Prompt care helps reduce these risks. Keep a close eye on how you or your loved one is feeling and seek help if anything feels unusual.

Diagnosis And Tests

If you suspect a dengue fever, your doctor will likely recommend tests to confirm it. These are often done using blood samples.

Tests may include:

• A dengue profile test that checks for antibodies and antigens in your blood
• The dengue NS1 antigen test, which can detect early infection within the first few days of symptoms
• The dengue IgM antibody test, which helps confirm recent infection
• Full blood count to check platelet levels
• Liver function tests to assess how your liver is coping
• Additional tests to rule out other infections like malaria or typhoid

These tests give your doctor a clearer picture of your condition and guide treatment decisions. Getting tested early leads to better outcomes.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. The focus is on relieving symptoms and supporting the body as it fights the infection. This includes actions like:

• Taking rest and consuming plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Using pain relief medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen for headaches and muscle pain
• Using anti-motion sickness medications such as meclizine and promethazine for nausea and vomiting
• Consuming a fever reducer such as acetaminophen or diphenhydramine for fever
• Utilising mosquito repellent to prevent further bites

Prevention is the best method of avoiding dengue fever, but these medications and measures can be used to effectively treat and recover from the illness.

Prevention

You can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from dengue fever. Reducing your risk of mosquito bites is key.

Effective dengue prevention measures include:

• Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing
• Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Sleeping under mosquito nets if needed
• Keeping doors and windows screened
• Getting rid of standing water around your home
• Changing water in flower pots and pet dishes regularly
• Avoiding travel to high-risk areas if you’re pregnant or unwell
• Using mosquito coils or vaporisers inside your home

Taking these steps regularly lowers your chances of being bitten by a dengue mosquito and reduces the spread in your community.

Conclusion

Dengue fever can be concerning, but with prompt medical attention and preventive measures, recovery is achievable. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking proper dengue treatment are key to managing the illness effectively

For an accurate testing and reliable reports, Metropolis Healthcare offers an advanced diagnostics, including home collection services. Their trusted expertise ensures you get the clarity and support you need. When it comes to managing your health with confidence, Metropolis Healthcare is a dependable choice you can count on.

FAQs

How common is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is extremely common, affecting around 400 million people globally each year. It’s particularly widespread in tropical and subtropical regions where mosquito populations thrive, often leading to seasonal outbreaks in vulnerable areas.

Can you be immune to dengue fever?

Yes, but only to the specific strain you were infected with. There are four strains of the virus, so it's still possible to get infected again with a different one later.

How does dengue fever spread?

Dengue fever spreads through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes. When they bite a person carrying the virus, they become carriers and can transmit it to others during future bites, continuing the infection cycle.

Is dengue fever contagious?

No, dengue fever isn’t spread from person to person. It only spreads through mosquito bites, meaning an infected mosquito must bite someone to pass on the virus, not through contact or coughing.

What can I expect if I have dengue fever?

You may experience high fever, fatigue, rash, and joint pain. Most people recover fully with rest and fluids, but some may develop severe symptoms that require medical attention during the recovery phase.

How long does dengue fever last?

Dengue fever usually lasts between 3 to 7 days. However, fatigue and weakness can continue for days or weeks after the fever subsides. Recovery depends on hydration, rest, and proper symptom monitoring.

Can you survive dengue fever?

Yes, most people recover well from dengue fever with proper care. Severe cases need immediate treatment, but survival rates are high when symptoms are recognised early and managed by healthcare professionals.

Can you get dengue fever multiple times?

Yes, you can. Since there are four dengue virus types, immunity to one doesn’t protect you from the others. Repeated infections increase the risk of developing severe or life-threatening complications.

Is dengue deadlier than malaria?

Malaria causes more global deaths, but severe dengue can still be life-threatening. Both are serious mosquito-borne illnesses requiring medical attention, though their treatment approaches and global impact differ significantly in severity.

Which fruit is best for dengue?

Papaya is often recommended as it may help improve platelet counts. Fruits like kiwi, pomegranate, and oranges also support immunity, hydration, and energy during recovery from dengue fever symptoms.

How can I increase my platelets in dengue?

Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in vitamins C and K can help. Papaya leaf extract is popular, but you should consult your doctor before trying any supplements or home remedies.

What happens on the 5th day of dengue?

The fifth day can be critical. Some people begin recovering, while others may show warning signs like bleeding or stomach pain. Close monitoring is essential for spotting severe dengue early.