Dengue Fever (cont.)
What is the outcome with typical dengue?
Typical dengue does not result in death. It is fatal in less than 1% of cases. The acute phase of the illness with fever and myalgias
lasts about one to two weeks. Convalescence is accompanied by a feeling of weakness (asthenia), and full recovery often takes several weeks.
What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a specific syndrome that tends
to affect children under 10. It causes abdominal pain, hemorrhage
(bleeding), and circulatory collapse (shock). DHF is also called
Philippine, Thai, or Southeast Asian hemorrhagic fever and dengue
shock syndrome.
DHF starts abruptly with high continuous fever and headache. There
are respiratory and intestinal symptoms with sore throat, cough,
nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Shock occurs two to six days after
the start of symptoms with sudden collapse, cool, clammy extremities
(the trunk is often warm), weak pulse, and blueness around
the mouth (circumoral cyanosis).
In DHF, there is bleeding with easy bruising, blood spots in the
skin (petechiae), spitting up blood (hematemesis), blood in the stool
(melena), bleeding gums, and nosebleeds (epistaxis). Pneumonia is
common, and inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) may be present.
Patients with DHF must be monitored closely for the first few days
since shock may occur or recur precipitously. Cyanotic (bluish)
patients are given oxygen. Vascular collapse (shock) requires
immediate fluid replacement. Blood transfusions may be needed to
control bleeding.
The mortality, or death rate, with DHF is significant. It ranges from 6%-30%. Most deaths occur in children. Infants under a year of age are especially at risk of dying from DHF.
Next: How can dengue fever be prevented? »
- acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others - Describes the medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Blood Transfusion - Learn about blood transfusion risks, and the types such as autologous (your own blood) and donor blood (someone else's blood) and what type might be best for your situation.
- Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).
Latest Medical News
Travel Health RSS