Dengue fever is a tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms usually begin three to fourteen days after infection. This can include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic rash. Recovery usually takes two to seven days. In a small proportion of cases, the disease progresses to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which causes hemorrhage, low blood platelet levels and loss of blood plasma, or dengue shock syndrome, where the blood pressure is dangerously low.
Dengue is spread by several species of Aedes mosquitoes, mainly A. aegypti. The virus has five different types of infection with a type that generally provides lifelong immunity to that type, but only short-term immunity to others. Subsequent infection with a different type increases the risk of serious complications. There are several tests available to confirm the diagnosis, including the detection of antibodies against the virus or its RNA.
A new dengue vaccine has been approved and is commercially available in several countries. Other methods of prevention are to reduce mosquito habitat and limit exposure to stings. This can be done by getting rid of or covering standing water and wearing clothing that covers a large part of the body. Acute dengue treatment is supportive and includes administering oral or intravenous fluids for mild or moderate disease. For more severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required. About half a million people require hospital admission per year. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen should not be used.
Dengue has become a global problem since World War II and is common in more than 110 countries. Each year, between 50 and 528 million people are infected and die between 10,000 and 20,000. The first descriptions of an outbreak date back to 1779. Its cause and viral spread were understood in the early twentieth century. In addition to removing mosquitoes, efforts are being made to target the drugs directly to the virus. It is classified as an unattended tropical disease.