Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted through dengue mosquitoes in a specific time of year monsoon, because dengue mosquitoes are born in fresh water. It is very important to stay protected from dengue virus because this virus has turned into a vast no of deaths if not treated on time. For centuries this virus has been a big concern to human life, the first wave of dengue was found in the 18th century. Last year, approximately 100 – 400 million cases were treated worldwide, dengue is commonly found in urban, semiurban. Read further for more information on Dengue Fever, Symptoms and prevention.in this article you will get to know how dengue fever is caused by and further information.
Dengue fever Symptoms
Muscle, bone or joint pain
Many people who have dengue fever have joint, bone, and muscle pain. From minor discomfort to more severe aches, this can vary.
High fever (40°C/104°F)
Dengue fever is a sudden, high fever that frequently reaches 104°F (40°C). Sweating and chills may accompany the fever, which can linger for several days.
Headaches
One common symptom of dengue is headaches. These headaches may worsen behind the eyes and can last for a long time.
Severe pain behind the eyes
Often characterized as a deep ache, dengue fever can cause excruciating pain behind the eyes. It is important to seek medical attention right away for this dengue symptom.
Skin rashes
People who have dengue fever frequently get a skin rash. Dengue rashes can be itchy and manifest as tiny red dots or patches.
Fatigue
Excessive fatigue is another symptom of dengue fever. Even after other dengue symptoms have decreased, this fatigue may still be present.
How To Diagnose Dengue?
If a person has a fever, weakness, or muscle pain, or any other dengue symptoms, a blood test is usually recommended. Dengue infection can only be confirmed by a laboratory test. The time of infection and the onset of dengue fever symptoms, however, may influence the type of dengue test. Therefore, you should be aware of the various kinds of blood tests that are available before considering a dengue blood test.
Dengue Fever Test
Direct Tests
Tests that use the virus’s genetic signature or antigen to identify it. These include a dengue PCR test using the RT-PCR technique and an ELISA test for the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigen. The specificity of these tests ranges from 99 to 100%, while the sensitivity of the latter is higher.
Dengue NS1 Antigen
The test is conducted early in the infection’s course, typically within the first five days after symptoms appear. This is due to the fact that the NS 1 antigen may be present for as long as five to seven days after the initial day of dengue infection. It then begins to leave the body, which could lead to false-negative test results.
Dengue RT-PCR test
In the initial five to seven days of infection, dengue RT – PCR test is also used to identify dengue virus. It finds the virus’s genetic material, or genome, in the blood. The test’s sensitivity and specificity against the infection are approximately 90% and 95%, respectively. It is advised to use this test in the early stages of the infection since it is the most sensitive and specific.
Indirect test
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) test for Dengue
This test looks for IgM (antibodies) in the blood, which show up in the early stages of the illness and indicate a recent or acute infection. If your dengue symptoms last longer than five days, you should get a dengue antibody IgM test. Since antibodies begin to form four to five days after infection, it is typically done after the fourth day of symptoms.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) test for Dengue
The IgG level that needs to be tracked in the test tends to rise gradually, Immunoglobulin G (IgG) test is used to identify infection later in the course of the illness. IgG antibodies typically begin to show up in trace amounts 14–21 days after infection and then gradually rise. Human blood carries these antibodies around 90 days and in some cases life time.
Platelets Count in Dengue
A lower platelet count is often linked to dengue (normal platelet counts range from 1.5 to 4 lacs). As a result, platelet counts should be closely and consistently checked, particularly after the fever subsides.
Both the platelet count and the total white blood cell (WBC) count may drop if a patient tests positive for dengue-specific antigen. However, it’s crucial to understand that platelet counts are not the only factor used to diagnose dengue.
Dengue fever can be diagnosed and confirmed with the aid of the aforementioned laboratory tests. However, if the tests are not conducted during a designated period of illness, it is possible that some of these tests will fail to diagnose a few individuals. The most sensitive and specific test for dengue is still RT-PCR, but early infection detection can also be achieved with a combination of NS1 antigen and IgM.
How Can Dengue Be Treated ?
There isn’t a specific remedy that can get rid of a dengue infection entirely. The emphasis is maintained on symptom relief and getting enough sleep in order to better manage dengue. Antipyretic medications, such as paracetamol, can be used to treat fever in order to lower body temperature and ease aches and pains. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other medications should be avoided since they raise the risk of bleeding. Antibiotics and antivirals are not necessary because they typically don’t help treat dengue fever.
Conclusion
To stay hydrated, consume a lot of liquids. To alleviate the symptoms until the infection has cleared up, this is recommended. Consume a nutritious diet and get enough sleep.
Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions if you observe that your condition is worsening or if you experience symptoms such as an uncontrollable fever, loose motions, cold, clammy skin, low blood pressure, decreased appetite, a weak pulse, abdominal pain, or the appearance of dark stools (charcoal or tar-colored feces).
The majority of dengue fever patients only have mild symptoms and might not need to be admitted to the hospital. Strict dietary restrictions and a prescribed medication regimen can be used to treat them at home. Keep an eye on the symptoms because sometimes they can worsen and indicate potentially dangerous complications. Severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever may be indicated by these worsened or persistent symptoms, necessitating hospitalization.