Dengue Fever
(breakbone fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever)
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a virus. The disease
is mainly tropical in origin but occasionally residents or visitors
from other countries may arrive in this country with dengue fever. Although
cases originating in the United States are virtually unknown, epidemic
levels have recently been reported in parts of the Carribean and Central
America.
Who gets dengue fever?
Dengue fever may occur in people of all ages who are exposed to infected
mosquitoes. The disease occurs mainly in tropical Asia and the Caribbean,
usually during the rainy seasons in areas with high numbers of infected
mosquitoes.
How is dengue fever spread?
Dengue fever is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Dengue fever is characterized by the rapid development of a fever
that may last from five to seven days with intense headache, joint and
muscle pain and a rash. The rash develops on the feet or legs three
to four days after the beginning of the fever. The hemorrhagic form
of dengue fever is more severe and associated with loss of appetite,
vomiting, high fever, headache and abdominal pain. Shock and circulatory
failure may occur. Untreated hemorrhagic dengue results in death in
up to 50 percent of cases.
How soon do symptoms occur?
Dengue fever may occur from three to 15 days after exposure to an
infected mosquito, commonly within five to six days.
Does past infection with dengue virus make a person immune?
Immunity may be produced to the same strain of dengue virus after
repeated exposures.
What is the treatment for dengue fever?
There is no specific treatment available. Intravenous fluids and oxygen
therapy are often used for patients who experience shock during their
illness.
What can be done to prevent the spread of dengue fever?
Since cases of dengue appearing in New York are imported, control
measures are limited to advising travelers to affected areas to minimize
exposure to infected mosquitoes. Use of mosquito netting and repellents
may be helpful in minimizing exposure.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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