Dengue Fever
Description
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms appear 4-10 days after a mosquito bite and include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and mild bleeding (nosebleeds or gum bleeding). In severe cases, dengue can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, leading to internal bleeding and organ failure. There is no specific antiviral treatment, but supportive care includes hydration, fever control, and pain relievers (avoiding aspirin and NSAIDs, which can worsen bleeding). Prevention focuses on mosquito control, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents.