What are the symptoms of a Dengue fever infection?
February 20, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Paula Voigt
Dear doctor,
My name is Katja Dietrich and I am reaching out to you with a question regarding tropical medicine. In the past few weeks, I have been on a trip to a tropical country and have been experiencing some health problems since my return. I have already done some research and suspect that I may have contracted Dengue fever.
My symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, and a rash. I feel very tired and weak overall, have no appetite, and experience nausea. Additionally, I have noticed that I bleed easily when I cut myself.
I am concerned about my health and wonder if my suspicion of a Dengue fever infection could be accurate. What other symptoms are typical of this disease and when should I seek medical attention? Are there specific treatment options for Dengue fever and how can I best protect myself from this illness?
I appreciate your help and support in this matter. It is very important to me to get clarity about my health situation as soon as possible and to be able to act accordingly.
Sincerely,
Katja Dietrich
Dear Mrs. Dietrich,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your health complaints after your trip to a tropical country. It is understandable that you are concerned and want to quickly get clarity about your health situation. I will therefore answer in as much detail as possible to your suspicion of Dengue fever.
The symptoms you described such as fever, headache, body aches, rash, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and mild bleeding are indeed typical of a Dengue fever infection. Other symptoms may include: severe eye pain, muscle and joint pain, bleeding from the gums or nose, and a life-threatening Dengue shock syndrome in severe cases. It is important to note that not every affected person must exhibit all symptoms and they can also vary.
It is advisable that you see a doctor immediately if you suspect Dengue fever. The diagnosis is made through a blood test to detect the presence of the Dengue virus. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid possible complications. Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Dengue fever. The therapy aims to alleviate symptoms, maintain fluid balance, and perform blood transfusions if necessary.
To protect yourself from Dengue fever, I recommend the following measures:
- Use effective insect protection (e.g. repellents, mosquito nets, long clothing)
- Avoid stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed
- Be especially careful during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are active
- Stay informed about the current Dengue situation in your destination country and take preventive measures if necessary
I hope that my response helps you and wish you all the best for your health. Please do not hesitate to see a doctor to receive the necessary medical care.
Best regards,
Paula Voigt
