Dengue Fever

Last Updated on 6 years by Publishing Team

What is it?

Dengue Fever is a painful and debilitating disease that is spread by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Dengue affects millions of people around the world each year and it can be deadly.

How is it Spread?

Dengue fever is not transmitted (spread) from person to person. Only infected mosquitoes transmit dengue fever. The mosquito contracts the virus when it bites an infected person. The mosquito is then infective for the rest of its life and can spread the virus every time it bites someone. The mosquito that spreads dengue fever likes to live in urban areas and in man-made containers (e.g. tyres, drums etc.).

Severe dengue fever can be deadly. But most people will recover from dengue fever after an illness of 2-7 days. Although you may continue to feel tired for weeks afterwards.

Dengue Fever in Fiji

It is estimated that globally, 100 million cases of dengue occur each year. Dengue outbreaks can occur at any time. In Fiji, during the Summer months in particular, dengue is a real and present danger and if not managed properly, can turn into a major epidemic.

In 2012, there were 708 positive cases in Fiji, whilst in 2013 – 2014, Fiji experienced a dengue fever epidemic with over 15,000 cases confirmed, which probably only represents a small portion of the total number affected by dengue. The key to preventing such high numbers is by taking the right proactive steps such as destroying mosquito breeding grounds and avoiding bites, especially in the high risk months during the Summer.

Dengue Fever Risk Months

What are the Symptoms?

Dengue Fever causes flu-like symptoms that generally last for 2-7 days. Dengue fever usually occurs after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite of the infected mosquito.
High Fever (40°C) is usually accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms:

  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Eye pain
  • Muscle or joint pains
  • Headaches
  • Pain behind eyes
  • A rash

Other symptoms may include;

  • Swollen glands
  • Diarrhoea
  • Generally feeling unwell (malaise)

Severe Dengue

When developing into severe dengue, the critical phase takes place around 3-7 days after the first sign of illness. Temperature will decrease; this does NOT mean the person is necessarily recovering. Special attention needs to be given to these warning signs as it could lead to severe dengue:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Vomiting blood
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fatigue/ restlessness
  • Signs of bleeding including: Bleeding gums, vomiting blood, black tarry stools (blood in stool), vaginal bleeding, bruising.

What should I do if I have these symptoms?
Seek medical attention immediately.

What are the dangers?

If you have the above symptoms and do not seek treatment, it may lead to

  • Severe bleeding
  • Severe organ impairment
  • Coma
  • Death

What is the Treatment for Dengue?

Seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have contracted dengue fever. Early diagnosis and management of symptoms is critical to reduce the risk of complications and avoid further spread of the virus.

Patients should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Take oral rehydration salts if they are available. Paracetamol such as Panadol can be taken to bring down fever and reduce joint pains.

DO NOT take aspirin or ibuprofen or any other pain medicine without checking with a doctor. These treatments can increase the risk of bleeding because they work to thin the blood.

When warning signs of severe dengue are present (listed above), it is imperative to consult a doctor and seek hospitalisation to manage the disease.

With proper medical care and early recognition, case-fatality rates are very low. However, the overall experience remains very discomforting and unpleasant.

How can I reduce the risk of getting Dengue?

The best way to avoid dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and to destroy mosquito breeding habitats.
This means;

  • Stay indoors
  • Wear insect repellent when outdoors
  • Use mosquito nets when sleeping
  • Install fly wire on your windows and doors

You should also take the time to destroy mosquito breeding habitats by following these steps;

  • Clear leaves and other rubbish from roof gutters and from around the house
  • Remove old tyres
  • Don’t leave empty tins, bottle, buckets or drums around, turn upside down to prevent stagnant water forming
  • Cover stored water drums securely
  • Cut long grass
  • Work with your village or neighbourhood to remove common breeding habitats from shared areas
  • Remove potential indoor breeding habitats including vases, water try under fridge, empty bottles and cans, stored water
  • Remove coconut shells and husks as they accumulate water for mosquito’s to breed in.