RECOGNIZING DENGUE FEVER SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOMS

• Headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle or joint pain
• Rash
• Certain bleeding disorders

The incubation period for dengue fever typically ranges from 3 to 14 days. Symptoms generally manifest within 4 to 7 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. After 2 or 3 days, individuals may notice a skin lesion. The fever usually persists for 3 to 5 days.

In a minority of cases, individuals with dengue fever progress to develop dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a more severe and potentially life-threatening form of the disease. Warning signs for dengue hemorrhagic fever emerge 3 to 7 days after the initial symptoms and include:

• Decreased blood volume
• Severe bleeding disorders
• Shock
• Reduction in fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Effective medical treatment is essential to prevent complications related to dengue fever. Since there is no specific cure for dengue fever, the focus is on providing treatments that alleviate the symptoms. Fortunately, fatalities due to dengue fever are infrequent.

It’s worth noting that there is no approved dengue fever vaccine available in Canada. As a result, it is of utmost importance to take measures to avoid mosquito bites, particularly because the mosquitoes responsible for transmitting dengue fever tend to be more active during the daytime.

CONSULT HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Consult your pharmacist to find out if your travel destination is associated with a risk of contracting dengue fever. He or she will be able to inform you of other potential travel needs related to your destination and discuss the best insect repellents you should use.

While travelling or after returning home, consult a doctor immediately if you have a fever and a skin lesion, and experience bleeding or easy bruising.