Dengue Fever

Distribution: South east Asia, Pacific region, Carribean islands, Central and South America and to a lesser extent Africa.

Infecting agent: an arbovirus.

Vector: Mosquito (Aedes aegypti).

Incubation: 5-8 days.

The illness: Usually sudden onset of fever, headache, myalgia and arthralgia. It is a biphasic illness, with a rash developing after 3-5 days with recurrence of fever. There may be meningism, vomiting,lymphadenopathy and diarrhoea. Within a few days the illness usually resolves and serious complications are uncommon.
Dengue Haemorrhagic fever: In some cases dengue can progress to a severe haemorrhagic form with shock which can be fatal. This is more common in children and usually occurs during second attacks. It is rare with third or succeeding infections.

Treatment: symptomatic but hospital care is indicated in severe illnesses or if complications occur.

Prevention is through avoiding mosquito bites. Vaccine is under research but not yet available.

Recommended for more information:
'Lecture Notes in Tropical medicine' Dion R. Bell. Blackwell Publications ISBN 0-632-02445-0
Mansons textbook of Tropical Diseases' Ed: G.C.Cook. WB Saunders Company Ltd ISBN 0-7020-1764-7.