Doctor explains Dengue Fever | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

In this video, I delve into the critical topic of Dengue Fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that poses significant health risks, particularly in tropical regions. Understanding Dengue is essential not only for your health but also for the well-being of your family and friends, especially if you plan to travel to areas where this disease is prevalent.

Dengue Fever is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is most active during the day. The regions most affected by Dengue include parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. Interestingly, there are also emerging risks in southern Europe, particularly during the warmer months. Countries like Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Madeira have reported cases, although Dengue is not present in the UK. For those planning to travel, I recommend checking the TravelHealthPro website for up-to-date information on Dengue risks in your destination.

Now, let’s talk about the symptoms of Dengue. It’s important to note that not everyone infected with the virus will show symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they typically manifest 4 to 10 days after being bitten. Common symptoms resemble those of the flu and include:

- High fever

- Severe headache

- Pain behind the eyes

- Muscle and joint pain

- Nausea or vomiting

- Swollen glands

- A blotchy rash that can cover large areas of the body

If you experience these symptoms after traveling to a Dengue-endemic area, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Severe Dengue, while less common, can lead to serious complications and includes symptoms such as:

- Severe abdominal pain

- Persistent vomiting

- Rapid breathing

- Bleeding gums or nose

- Extreme fatigue

- Restlessness

- Blood in vomit or stool

Severe Dengue requires immediate medical attention, and hospitalization may be necessary for recovery.

When it comes to treatment, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Dengue. Most individuals recover within a few days with supportive care. Here are some recommendations to ease symptoms:

- Rest as much as possible

- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids

- Use paracetamol to reduce fever and alleviate pain

It’s crucial to avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can increase the risk of bleeding in Dengue patients. For those with severe symptoms, hospitalization is essential for proper care and monitoring.

Prevention is key when it comes to Dengue Fever. If you belong to a high-risk group—such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions—consider postponing travel to areas where Dengue is common. If you must travel, here are some effective prevention strategies:

- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover your skin, especially during peak mosquito activity times.

- Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin.

- Keep windows and doors closed or use screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your living space.

- Sleep under a mosquito net treated with insecticide if you are in a high-risk area.

- Consult a travel clinic for personalized advice and consider vaccination if you have a history of Dengue and are traveling to an endemic area.

For those interested in learning more about Dengue Fever, I encourage you to explore the resources linked in the description box of this video. Knowledge is power, and being informed can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially serious illness.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Your engagement is invaluable, and I’m here to help you navigate these health topics with clarity and confidence. Thank you for watching, and take care!