DENGUE

INTRODUCTION:

Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are acute febrile
diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, which occur in the tropics, can be life-
threatening, and are caused by four closely related virus serotypes of the
genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. It is also known as breakbone fever,
since it can be extremely painful. Dengue is transmitted to humans by the
Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti or more rarely the Aedes albopictus mosquito.
The mosquitoes that spread dengue usually bite at dusk and dawn but may
bite at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when
the weather is cloudy.

Dengue (pronounced DENG-gay) strikes people with low levels of immunity.

Because it is caused by one of four serotypes of virus, it is possible to get
dengue fever multiple times. However, an attack of dengue produces
immunity for a lifetime to that particular serotype to which the patient was
exposed.

Alternative Names

O'nyong-nyong fever; Dengue-like disease; Breakbone fever

Causes, Incidence, And Risk Factors

Dengue fever is caused by one of four different but related viruses. It is

spread by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly the mosquito Aedes
aegypti, which is found in tropic and subtropic regions. This includes parts of:

Dengue fever is being seen more in world travelers.

Dengue fever should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which
is a separate disease that is caused by the same type of virus but has much
more severe symptoms.

Symptoms

Dengue fever begins with a sudden high fever, often as high as 104 - 105
degrees Fahrenheit.

A flat, red rash may appear over most of the body 2 - 5 days after the fever
starts. A second rash, which looks like the measles, appears later in the
disease. Infected people may have increased skin sensitivity and are very
uncomfortable.

Other symptoms include:

• Headache (especially behind the eyes)

• Fatigue
• Joint aches
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Vomiting

Signs And Tests

Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:

• Antibody titer for dengue virus types

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Serology studies to look for antibodies to dengue viruses

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. You will need fluids if there
are signs of dehydration. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is used to treat a high
fever. Avoid taking aspirin.

Expectations (Prognosis)

The condition generally lasts a week or more. Although uncomfortable,

dengue fever is not deadly. People with the condition should fully recover.

Complications

• Febrile convulsions
• Severe dehydration
Calling Your Health Care Provider

Call your health care provider if you have traveled in an area where dengue
fever is known to occur and have developed symptoms of the disease.

Prevention

Clothing, mosquito repellent, and netting can help reduce exposure to

mosquitoes. Traveling during periods of minimal mosquito activity can also
be helpful.

Mosquito abatement programs may reduce the risk of infection.

NURSING DIAGNOSIS:

• Altered body temperature

• Fear

• Anxiety

• Knowledge deficit

• Activity intolerance