Dengue fever

Description

A condition spread by infected mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

Overview

Four types of dengue viruses can cause dengue fever. Bites from infected mosquitoes spread the viruses. Risk of severe dengue fever gets higher with each infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dengue fever start about 4 to 10 days after infection. High fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain are common symptoms. Severe dengue fever can cause bleeding from the nose and gums and can lead to shock and death.

Treatments

There's no treatment for dengue fever. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking the medicine acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can ease symptoms. Severe dengue fever needs care in a hospital.