Everything You Need to Know About Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Introduction

If you experience a sudden high fever or chills, book your appointment with one of the best doctors in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospitals. You will find the proper diagnosis with the right solutions here. 

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is linked to secondary dengue infection, which implies that the person is infected with another serotype of dengue virus than before resulting in a more severe form of dengue virus. As per WHO’s study, an estimated 300 million infections are asymptomatic for every 100 million symptomatic dengue cases occurring every year. Essentially, dengue is an arthropod-borne disease that is caused when one of the four serotypes of dengue virus infects the person; infection by one of the dengue viruses immunes a person from the serotype for the whole life and this infection is known as primary infection which is not very severe and easily manageable with directed cure. 

However, if a person, who has had a primary infection before, is later infected by any of the other three serotypes of the dengue virus, a severe complicated version of dengue emerges that is known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Repeated exposure to the dengue virus makes one more prone to developing dengue hemorrhagic fever. We will offer you comprehensive information on dengue hemorrhagic fever in this blog so stay tuned. However, kindly note that this blog is for informative purposes only and we do not construe the healthcare professionals' consultation in any way.

What is a Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by four closely related viruses, which spread through the Aedes mosquitoes. The fever is spread through the bite of an Aedes mosquito that is carrying the dengue virus. This species of mosquito can breed inside or outside the house in containers holding water and cannot fly more than 200 meters away from its place of birth. The Aedes Mosquito is most active during the early hours of the morning and before sunset. Dengue fever is extremely painful, and debilitating and often causes high fever, along with headache and extreme muscle or joint pain. The fever rarely causes death; however, it can progress into a serious form known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

What are dengue Hemorrhagic Fever symptoms?

A person infected with the dengue virus can experience symptoms such as:

• Unexplained, sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash on the skin
• Rashes on the eyes
• Severe weakness
• Fatigue
• Acute bone, joint, and muscle pain
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Mild bleeding
• Pain behind the eyes
• Swollen glands

A person may be recovering from these dengue symptoms and might develop severe new symptoms, which could indicate dengue hemorrhagic fever. These symptoms include:

• Restlessness
• Sudden rise in body temperature
• Bleeding or bruising under the skin
• Vomiting and nausea
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nose bleeding
• Cold Skin
• Lower blood pressure

Who are at high risk of developing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

People at high risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever

• Infants
• Small children
• Pregnant women
• Elderly people
• People with a weakened immune system

How is Dengue hemorrhagic fever diagnosed?

The doctor will check for symptoms and analyze the type of virus that has infected. The first primary infection will be diagnosed and then studied further to detect dengue hemorrhagic fever. The doctor might also conduct a few tests to diagnose the infection, these tests or checks include:

• Blood pressure
• Skin, eyes, and glands
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray

Moreover, you would need to specify your medical history, family history, lifestyle, recent travels, etc.

What are the options available for dengue hemorrhagic fever?

There is no specified treatment or vaccination for dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever. However, the treatment objective is to manage symptoms and prevent the infection from worsening further. These treatments include:

• Intravenous fluids
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Electrolyte therapy
• Transfusion of blood
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Oxygen therapy
• Attentive nursing care

Moreover, the doctor will suggest rest and frequent hydration to keep the symptoms from getting worse. Symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever are the most difficult to manage since they are more intense and appear at a faster rate.

What are the prevention tips for Dengue hemorrhagic fever?

The best way to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever is to stay away from mosquito bites and stop the birth and breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. The following preventive methods can help stop the breeding of dengue carriers:

• Get rid of any containers placed under the air conditioners or coolers
• Do not store water in containers – inside or outside – and leave them open
• Maintain distance from anything that has stored clear stagnant water
• Change the feeding bowls for pets
• Pour fresh water into flower vases every day
• Remove any excess water in flower pots or plates
• Check your water tanks for proper seal
• Use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets all the time
• Wear fully-covered clothes
• Use air conditioners to keep mosquitoes away
• Keep all windows and doors closed
• Do not apply strong perfumes or soaps, since smell attracts mosquitoes
• Do not walk outside at dawn or dusk
• Do not take shelter under the trees at dawn or dusk

Further, protect the patient (from any further mosquito bite) that has been infected by the virus, since that could cause the spreading of the virus if the infected mosquito, in turn, bit another person.

What are the complications of Dengue hemorrhagic fever?

Dengue hemorrhagic fever can cause:

• Seizures
• Damage to brain
• Blood clots
• Liver and lung damage
• Heart problems
• Shock

Conclusion

In summary, dengue hemorrhagic fever remains a serious global health risk, mainly in areas where the Aedes mosquito is common. To minimize its impact requires early detection, prompt medical intervention, and watchful mosquito control. Campaigns to raise public awareness assist in preventing this disease. In addition, it is vital to continue researching vaccines and efficient therapies. Governments, healthcare providers, and communities need to work together to fight this probable dangerous disease and protect public health across the globe. If you are diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever, ensure working with your doctor for fast relief.

Faq -

 

Can dengue hemorrhagic fever be cured?

No cure is available for dengue hemorrhagic fever, however, with early clinical intervention symptoms and complications can be mitigated.

Why does hemoglobin decrease in dengue?

Dengue fever general affects bone marrow declining its efficiency to form red blood cells causing reduction in hemoglobin levels, eventually results in anemia.

Does dengue fever spread?

Yes, humans can contract dengue fever from one another through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti.