What to do if you have dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus from the flaviviridae family. This disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of female mosquito vector known as Aedes aegypti that has bitten an infected individual previously.

Did you know?

• About 1 in 4 people with dengue infection will fall sick. Symptoms may range from mild or severe.
• About 1 in 20 people who have fallen sick with dengue will develop severe dengue.
• Individuals who have had dengue in the past are more likely to develop severe dengue.
• Infants and pregnant women are also at higher risk of developing severe dengue.
• Dengue is not transmissible from person to person. Dengue virus infection only happens through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.
• Shock and haemorrhage (internal bleeding) may occur in some patients with severe dengue; seeking immediate medical treatment is crucial.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Here are the dengue fever symptoms that you should look out for:

• Sudden onset of high fever (40°C/104°F)
• Severe, intense headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Aching muscle and joints
• Feeling nauseous and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Bodily rash

How long do dengue symptoms last?

The symptoms typically last for 2-7 days (febrile phase) and most people recover from dengue fever after one week.

What are the warning signs of severe dengue?

In severe cases, symptoms of developing dengue haemorrhagic fever are:

• Bleeding from the mouth / gums / nose
• Skin is clammy
• Internal bleeding that leads to black vomit and stool
• Abdominal pain
• Small blood spots under the skin
• Weak pulse

What to do if you think you have dengue?

You should be doing the following to recover:

1. If you develop symptoms and suspect it is dengue, the first thing to do is to see a doctor.
2. Your doctor will ask you to have as much bed rest as possible.
3. Your doctor will prescribe paracetamol to help reduce fever and relieve pain.
   Reminder: Do not take aspirin and ibuprofen!
4. Load up on fluids. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Watch out for signs of dehydration.
5. Get a family member or a friend to drive you to the nearest hospital if you are unable to drive.

You should also take precautions to prevent further mosquito bites and minimise the risk of transmission:

1. Clear your surroundings from mosquito-breeding conditions.
2. Wear clothing that can cover as much of your body as possible.
3. Use insect repellents, sleep under mosquito net, keep doors and windows closed or ensure the screens are up.

Precaution: When fever is subsiding, look out for warning signs within 3-7 days after symptoms began. Some patients may develop severe dengue, which is a medical emergency.

How is dengue fever diagnosed?

Diagnosing dengue involves blood tests that target the presence of the dengue fever virus, its RNA, or its antigens in the blood sample. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the effective management of dengue fever and for preventing complications.

How is dengue treated?

As of now, there is no specific antiviral medication available to directly target the dengue viruses. Therefore, the treatment of dengue is primarily focused on providing supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

What can you do to prevent dengue outbreak in your house?

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The most effective way to prevent dengue fever is to stay vigilant and avoid mosquito bites.

Remember, mosquitoes that have bitten and infected a family member may continue to bite and infect others.

1. Prevent Aedes mosquitoes from breeding

   It is important to get rid of mosquitoes by removing their breeding habitat:

   • Throw away all unwanted containers that can collect water (stagnant water is mosquitoes’ breeding habitat).
   • Check and change the water in flower vases in your house frequently.
   • For flowerpots in your garden, clean them frequently to prevent water collection.
   • Always keep the lid on for all water containers.
2. Close doors and windows or install screens

   Aedes mosquitos are most active during dusk and dawn. If you live in dengue-prone areas, it is best to frequently keep doors and windows closed. You can also place screens on windows and doors to eliminate the chances of mosquitoes entering the house. You can sleep under a mosquito net too.

3. Use mosquito repellents

   Apply insect or mosquito repellent on your body when travelling or even when you are indoors. For infants and children, you can get mosquito patches, bands, or wipes from the pharmacy.

4. Eliminate adult mosquitoes

   Use aerosol insect repellent, mosquito coils, and electric vapour mates to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

5. Wear protective clothing

   Wear clothes with long sleeves and long pants with socks and covered shoes to cover as much of your body as possible.

6. Time your outings

   Time your outdoor trips depending on the weather. Make sure you bring along necessary kits such as mosquito repellent and netted sleeping bags that can help protect you from mosquito bites.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

If you encounter a situation that requires medical attention, please seek immediate medical attention at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.

References

1. Dengue and severe dengue. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue [Accessed 12 January 2023]
2. Department of Occupational Safety and Health – Dengue. Available at https://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/osh-info-2/occupational-health/1547-dengue [Accessed 16 January 2023]
3. Dengue: Symptoms and Treatment. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/symptoms/index.html [Accessed 16 January 2023]
4. Prevent Mosquito Bites. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html [Accessed 16 January 2023]