Dengue

Dengue is a viral illness spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes — which breed in clean, standing water and bite mostly in the daytime. India has a significant dengue burden, with outbreaks every year during and after the monsoon (roughly July to November). Most cases are mild or moderate; a small but important proportion become severe and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 4-10 days after an infected mosquito bite:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache, pain behind the eyes
• Severe muscle and joint pain ("breakbone fever")
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rash — often appearing 3-5 days into the illness
• Swollen glands
• Mild bleeding (nose, gums)

Warning signs — go to hospital immediately

Dengue becomes dangerous when the fever FALLS (usually days 3-7 of illness). This is when severe complications can develop:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding from gums, nose, in vomit, stool, or urine
• Blood in urine
• Black, tarry stools
• Extreme weakness, drowsiness, restlessness
• Cold, clammy skin
• Rapid breathing
• Reduced urine output

Severe dengue needs urgent hospital care — fluids, platelet monitoring, and supportive treatment can be life-saving. Dial 112 if severe.

Diagnosis

A blood test (NS1 antigen in the first week; IgM/IgG antibodies later) confirms dengue. A full blood count tracks platelets and haematocrit. Testing is widely available.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral for dengue — care is supportive:

• Rest
• Plenty of fluids — ORS, water, coconut water, soups
• Paracetamol only for fever and pain — AVOID aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs — they can worsen bleeding
• Monitor symptoms daily; repeat blood tests as advised
• Hospital admission for warning signs, severe dengue, or high-risk groups (pregnant women, infants, elderly, people with chronic conditions)

Prevention

Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water in and around homes — even small amounts. Prevention targets the mosquito:

• Empty, cover, or clean any water-holding container at least once a week — flower pots, buckets, barrels, coolers, tyres, discarded tins, clogged drains, refrigerator trays
• Change water in flower vases and pet bowls weekly
• Use mosquito nets (especially daytime for children sleeping), window screens
• Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin
• Wear long sleeves and long trousers where possible
• Keep drains and surroundings clean
• Community-level control — participate in fogging drives and clean-up

A dengue vaccine is available in some countries but is not yet part of India's public immunisation programme; discuss with your doctor if you're considering it.