Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Dengue fever is most common in Southeast Asia, the western Pacific islands, Latin America and Africa. Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash.
Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include
- Sudden high fever – 104 F (40 C)
- Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Severe joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever
- Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)
Warning signs of severe dengue fever which is a life-threatening emergency can develop quickly. The severe form of dengue fever, also called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock) and death.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’ve recently visited an area in which dengue fever is known to occur, you have had a fever and you develop any of the warning signs.
