Dengue fever history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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Dengue fever presents with [[flu]] like symptoms [[fever]], retro-orbital [[headache]], [[fatigue]], [[joint aches]] or [[arthralgias]] ([[joint aches]]), [[myalgias]] ([[muscle aches]]), [[nausea]]/[[vomiting]], and [[lymphadenopathy]] ([[swollen lymph nodes]]). | Dengue fever presents with [[flu]] like symptoms [[fever]], retro-orbital [[headache]], [[fatigue]], [[joint aches]] or [[arthralgias]] ([[joint aches]]), [[myalgias]] ([[muscle aches]]), [[nausea]]/[[vomiting]], and [[lymphadenopathy]] ([[swollen lymph nodes]]). | ||
== | ==Febrile Phase== | ||
The febrile phase of the disease is marked by the sudden onset of [[fever]], along with a severe retro-orbital [[headache]], [[myalgias]] ([[muscle pains]]) and [[arthralgias]] ([[joint pains]]). Indeed, the joint pains can be so bad that this has given rise to the name ''[[break-bone fever]]'' or ''[[bonecrusher disease]]''. The dengue fever rash characteristically consists of bright red [[petechia]] and usually appears first on the lower limbs and the chest - in some patients, it spreads to cover most of the body. There may also be [[gastritis]] with some combination of associated abdominal pain, [[nausea]], [[vomiting]] or [[diarrhea]]. Patients with Dengue fever may also have a case of swollen [[lymph nodes]]. | |||
Some cases develop much milder symptoms which can, when no rash is present, be misdiagnosed as [[influenza]] or other viral infection. Thus travelers from tropical areas may inadvertently pass on dengue in their home countries, having not been properly diagnosed at the height of their illness. Patients with dengue can only pass on the infection through mosquitoes or blood products while they are still [[fever|febrile]]. | Some cases develop much milder symptoms which can, when no rash is present, be misdiagnosed as [[influenza]] or other viral infection. Thus travelers from tropical areas may inadvertently pass on dengue in their home countries, having not been properly diagnosed at the height of their illness. Patients with dengue can only pass on the infection through mosquitoes or blood products while they are still [[fever|febrile]]. | ||
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The classic dengue fever lasts about six to seven days, with a smaller peak of fever at the trailing end of the fever (the so-called "biphasic pattern"). Clinically, the [[platelet]] count will drop until the patient's temperature is normal. | The classic dengue fever lasts about six to seven days, with a smaller peak of fever at the trailing end of the fever (the so-called "biphasic pattern"). Clinically, the [[platelet]] count will drop until the patient's temperature is normal. | ||
==Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever== | |||
A small proportion of patients develop Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever ([[DHF]]). In this scenario, they not only develop higher [[fever]], but also hemorrhagic complications such as GI bleeding and bleeding elsewhere, [[thrombocytopenia]], and [[hemoconcentration]] due to dehydration. | |||
==Dengue Shock Syndrome== | |||
A small proportion of patients can develop [[Dengue shock syndrome]] ([[DSS]]) which has a high mortality rate. | |||
[[Image:Denguefeversymptoms.jpg]] | [[Image:Denguefeversymptoms.jpg]] | ||
Revision as of 19:55, 8 June 2014
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Dengue fever presents with flu like symptoms fever, retro-orbital headache, fatigue, joint aches or arthralgias (joint aches), myalgias (muscle aches), nausea/vomiting, and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).
Febrile Phase
The febrile phase of the disease is marked by the sudden onset of fever, along with a severe retro-orbital headache, myalgias (muscle pains) and arthralgias (joint pains). Indeed, the joint pains can be so bad that this has given rise to the name break-bone fever or bonecrusher disease. The dengue fever rash characteristically consists of bright red petechia and usually appears first on the lower limbs and the chest - in some patients, it spreads to cover most of the body. There may also be gastritis with some combination of associated abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Patients with Dengue fever may also have a case of swollen lymph nodes.
Some cases develop much milder symptoms which can, when no rash is present, be misdiagnosed as influenza or other viral infection. Thus travelers from tropical areas may inadvertently pass on dengue in their home countries, having not been properly diagnosed at the height of their illness. Patients with dengue can only pass on the infection through mosquitoes or blood products while they are still febrile.
The classic dengue fever lasts about six to seven days, with a smaller peak of fever at the trailing end of the fever (the so-called "biphasic pattern"). Clinically, the platelet count will drop until the patient's temperature is normal.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
A small proportion of patients develop Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). In this scenario, they not only develop higher fever, but also hemorrhagic complications such as GI bleeding and bleeding elsewhere, thrombocytopenia, and hemoconcentration due to dehydration.
Dengue Shock Syndrome
A small proportion of patients can develop Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) which has a high mortality rate.
