Dengue Fever
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Learn what to expect when visiting the Emergency Department. Learn More
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- September 5, 2026
- 5 MINS READ
Patient Procedures
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes (which primarily bite during the day). While many cases are mild, dengue can rapidly escalate into a life-threatening complication known as Severe Dengue (or Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever), which causes dangerous drops in blood pressure and internal bleeding. Prompt medical monitoring is essential during a dengue infection.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The hallmarks of standard dengue fever include a sudden, high fever (often up to 104°F) accompanied by at least two of the following:
- Severe headache and intense pain behind the eyes.
- Severe joint, muscle, and bone pain (often giving it the nickname "breakbone fever").
- Widespread skin rash.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Mild bleeding (such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising).
Warning Signs of Severe Dengue: Seek immediate emergency care if the fever drops and is followed by:
- Severe abdominal pain and persistent vomiting.
- Vomiting blood or blood in the stool.
- Difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breathing.
- Extreme fatigue, restlessness, or severe drop in blood pressure**, manifested by pale, cold, and clammy extremities.**
Causes & Risk Factors
Dengue is caused by one of four related dengue viruses (DENV 1, 2, 3, or 4). You can only catch dengue if you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus; it cannot spread directly from person to person.
- Risk Factors: Living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical areas. Having had a previous dengue infection significantly increases your risk of developing Severe Dengue if you are infected a second time by a different viral strain.
Diagnosis & Tests
Dengue symptoms can easily be confused with other illnesses like malaria or typhoid. Our specialists use precise laboratory tests to confirm a dengue infection:
- NS1 Antigen Test: Can detect the virus in the blood in the very early days of the fever.
- Dengue Antibodies Test (IgG and IgM): Detects the body's immune response to the virus.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Closely monitored daily to track the patient's platelet count and hematocrit levels, as a rapid drop in platelets is a classic sign of dengue.
Treatment & Management
There is no specific antiviral medicine to cure dengue. Treatment is entirely focused on relieving symptoms and providing aggressive supportive care:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids (water, ORS, coconut water) is crucial to prevent dehydration caused by high fever and vomiting.
- Fever Management: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is given to reduce pain and fever. Crucial Note: Patients must strictly avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen, as these thin the blood and dramatically increase the risk of severe bleeding.
- Hospitalization: If platelet counts drop dangerously low or signs of Severe Dengue appear, the patient must be hospitalized for intravenous (IV) fluids and, if necessary, platelet or blood transfusions.
Why Choose St. Stephen's Hospital for Dengue Fever?
During peak mosquito season, dengue can quickly turn from a severe fever into a medical emergency. St. Stephen’s Hospital is fully equipped to handle complex infectious diseases.
Our dedicated isolation wards, 24/7 in-house blood bank (ensuring immediate availability of platelet transfusions), and expert critical care team provide the round-the-clock monitoring required to navigate the critical phase of dengue fever safely. Do not take chances with dropping platelets—visit our emergency care center for immediate evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Because there are four different strains of the dengue virus, you can be infected up to four times. Getting infected a second time with a different strain is highly dangerous, as it significantly increases your risk of developing life-threatening Severe Dengue.
Platelets typically begin to drop rapidly between the 3rd and 7th day of the illness, exactly around the time the high fever starts to subside. This is the most critical phase of the disease and requires daily blood tests.
Focus on extreme hydration using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), fresh fruit juices, and coconut water. Eat light, easy-to-digest foods like porridge, boiled vegetables, and soups. Vitamin C-rich fruits can help support your immune system.
No. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person through coughing, touching, or saliva. It can only be transmitted if a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites a healthy person.
While some small studies suggest papaya leaf extract may help stimulate a slight increase in platelet count, it is not a cure for the virus itself and should never replace medical treatments, IV hydration, or hospital care during severe cases.
A patient should be rushed to the hospital if they exhibit warning signs of Severe Dengue: intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, or if their platelet count drops below a safe medical threshold.
The high fever typically lasts for 2 to 7 days. However, the severe fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain can linger for several weeks even after the virus has cleared the body.