Dengue Fever - Is It Contagious?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. About 400 million dengue infection cases occur worldwide every year with about 96 million of them turning severe. Dengue is mostly widespread in tropical regions such as India, South-East Asia, Central and South America, South China, Taiwan and Africa among others. There are 4 distinct types of dengue virus and the symptoms can appear within 3-14 days of the bite.

Symptoms:

If you have a weak immune system or have suffered from this disease previously, you could be at increased risks of it. Common symptoms include:

1. High fever all of a sudden
2. Severe headache accompanied by vomiting tendencies
3. Pain in the eyes and the eye socket
4. Severe pain in the joints and muscles
5. Too easily tired and fatigued
6. Skin rashes which may appear within a week of the onset of fever
7. Mild bleeding from the nose or gums

Rush to the doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. If not treated on time, it can lead to severe problems such as Dengue Hemorrhagic fever, damage to the lymph nodes and blood vessels, liver enlargement, permanent damage to the circulatory system and even death. In medical terminology, all these complications are clustered into DSS (dengue shock syndrome).

Is it contagious? 
Dengue is not a contagious disease. It can only spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

How it can be treated?
1. If you suspect dengue, you must rush to the doctors and get the diagnosis done. Timely start of therapy is essential to tackle the Dengue Shock Syndrome and internal bleeding.
2. Complete bed rest and sufficient intake of fluids is advised
3. Pain relievers can be administered along with Acetaminophen but Aspirin should be strictly avoided
4. If you are unable to eat normally, intravenous fluids will be administered to prevent dehydration
5. A platelet transfusion may also be considered

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