As per the US CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates, a minimum of 400 million cases of dengue are reported worldwide annually. Quite simply, dengue is among the top reasons causing illness and death in tropical & subtropical regions across the world.
Through this blog, we aim to explain what dengue fever is, list the dengue symptoms in adults, and discuss the diagnosis of dengue in adults along with its treatment.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by 4 dengue viruses and transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. It’s also called breakbone fever due to causing severe bone & muscle aches in addition to high fever in most cases.
In terms of transmission, dengue fever is not a contagious disease among human beings, although it can be transmitted from an infected pregnant mother to the unborn child.
What are the symptoms of Dengue Fever in adults?
Regarding symptoms, there is usually a delay of around 2 days to a week from the infected mosquito bite to the person experiencing the symptoms.
Common symptoms of dengue fever in adults include:
- High fever up to 106°F
- Intense headaches
- Inflammation in the lymph glands
- Skin rash
Latter-stage dengue symptoms may comprise:
- Vomiting blood or the presence of blood in stools
- Mild bleeding from nose/gums
- Body weakness and restlessness
- Belly aches and tenderness
Research has indicated that fewer adults experience symptoms like muscle pain, joint aches, eye pain and mucosal bleeding compared to kids.
How to diagnose Dengue in adults?
As per research studies, early clinical diagnosis of dengue is complicated in older adults compared to other age groups.
For diagnosis, healthcare professionals conduct lab tests to detect the presence of antibodies to the dengue viruses in a person’s blood sample. Two types of diagnostic tests, namely virological test & serological test are utilised to diagnose dengue.
How to treat Dengue in adults?
As of today, there exists no particular medicine/treatment specially developed for the treatment of dengue. Hence, medications for the treatment of specific symptoms that a patient is experiencing are prescribed by doctors.
In severe cases with dengue hemorrhagic fever symptoms, a blood transfusion may be conducted for quick & effective treatment.
Conclusion
Adults, especially senior citizens, should get themselves proactively tested for dengue on experiencing related symptoms or after visiting an area where dengue infections are common.
To schedule a dengue fever diagnostic test at your nearest state-of-the-art Clinico Diagnostic Centre, contact us 24×7 on 9504555555:
