Dengue/Severe dengue frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of dengue fever and severe dengue?
Dengue fever
Dengue causes flu-like symptoms and lasts for 2-7 days. Dengue fever usually occurs after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite of the infected mosquito.
High Fever (40°C/ 104°F) is usually accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Pain behind eyes
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Joint, bone or muscle pains
- Rash
Severe dengue
When developing into severe dengue, the critical phase takes place around 3-7 days after the first sign of illness. Temperature will decrease; this does NOT mean the person is necessarily recovering. On the other hand, special attention needs to be given to these warning signs as it could lead to severe dengue:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding gums
- Vomiting blood
- Rapid breathing
- Fatigue/ restlessness
When severe dengue is suspected, the person should be rushed to the emergency room or to the closest health care provider as it causes:
- Plasma leaking that may lead to shock and/or fluid accumulation with/without respiratory distress;
- Severe bleeding;
- Severe organ impairment.