What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, presents a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.
Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever
High Fever and Headache
One of the most consistent symptoms of dengue fever is a sudden onset of high fever, often accompanied by severe headaches . This fever can last from 2 to 7 days and is often described as "breakbone fever" due to the intense pain it causes.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Patients frequently report significant muscle and joint pain, which can be debilitating . This symptom is so characteristic that dengue fever is sometimes referred to as "breakbone fever."
Retro-Orbital Pain
Pain behind the eyes, known as retro-orbital pain, is another common symptom . This pain can be severe and is often exacerbated by eye movement.
Skin Rash
A skin rash is a frequent manifestation of dengue fever, appearing in many patients . The rash can be maculopapular and may appear on the face, chest, and extremities.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, contributing to the overall discomfort and dehydration experienced by patients .
Severe Symptoms: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome
Hemorrhagic Manifestations
In severe cases, dengue fever can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), characterized by bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, leading to bruising . Patients may also experience black stools, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding.
Thrombocytopenia and Hemoconcentration
DHF is marked by thrombocytopenia (a significant drop in platelet count) and hemoconcentration (increased blood cell concentration due to fluid loss) . These conditions can lead to severe complications if not managed promptly.
Plasma Leakage and Shock
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a critical condition resulting from plasma leakage, leading to circulatory failure. Symptoms include a weak and rapid pulse, hypotension, cold and clammy skin, and an altered mental state . Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent fatal outcomes.
Atypical and Additional Symptoms
Ocular Complications
Ocular complications, such as dengue uveitis, can occur in a significant number of hospitalized patients, leading to hemorrhagic or inflammatory eye conditions.
Gastrointestinal and Neurological Symptoms
Some patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and liver enlargement, as well as neurological symptoms such as encephalopathy and nerve palsy.
Gender and Age Variations
Symptom severity and frequency can vary based on age and gender. For instance, body pains, joint pains, and rash are more frequently reported by female patients, and symptom reporting increases with age.
Conclusion
Dengue fever presents a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild fever and rash to severe hemorrhagic manifestations and shock. Early recognition and management of these symptoms are vital to reduce morbidity and prevent mortality. Public health efforts should focus on improving diagnostic tools, developing vaccines, and educating healthcare providers to manage and control dengue outbreaks effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic