Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Health Tips
Dengue
Flu- like viral disease spread by the bite of an infected (Aedes)
mosquito. Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever,
severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain.
The severity of the joint pain has given dengue the name "breakbone
fever." Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common. A rash
may appear 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever. The illness can
last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a
month. Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but
rarely, some can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever. Seek medical
attention if initial flu- like symptoms worsen, or if any blood is
noticed from the mouth, gums or nose or there are any signs of
bruising. There is no specific treatment for dengue. Drink lots of
fluids, rest and simple paracetamol containing analgesia may help
with the symptoms. Prevention centers around avoiding mosquito bites
and eliminating mosquito breeding sites such as discarded tires,
flower pots, old oil drums, water storage containers, etc.
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