Symptoms of Dengue
Symptoms of dengue typically appear between four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. While many people with dengue experience a self-limiting illness, others may develop severe symptoms that require urgent medical intervention. Understanding these symptoms is essential for early detection and appropriate care.
Mild to Moderate Dengue
The early phase of dengue often includes flu-like symptoms such as:
Sudden high fever (40°C/104°F)
Severe headache, particularly behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pain, often described as “breakbone pain”
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Mild bleeding, such as gum bleeding or nosebleeds
Skin rash that may appear a few days after the onset of fever
These symptoms typically last for about a week. Most people recover completely with adequate rest and hydration.
Severe Dengue (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome)
In some cases, dengue progresses to a more dangerous stage:
Persistent vomiting
Severe abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Bleeding under the skin (bruising), or internal bleeding
Blood in vomit or stools
Restlessness or drowsiness
Severe dengue is a medical emergency and can be fatal without timely intervention. It often occurs in individuals who have had a previous infection with a different serotype of the virus.
Phases of Illness
Febrile phase: High fever and flu-like symptoms
Critical phase: Typically around day 4–6, when fever subsides but plasma leakage, bleeding, or organ damage may begin
Recovery phase: Fluids return to normal circulation, and improvement is noticeable, but monitoring is still essential
Warning Signs | Symptoms of Dengue
If any of the following occur during the febrile or post-febrile stage, immediate medical care is required:
Intense abdominal pain
Continuous vomiting
Bleeding gums or nose
Difficulty breathing
Signs of shock (cold extremities, restlessness)
In summary, symptoms of dengue vary from mild fever to life-threatening complications. Recognising the warning signs and seeking medical care early greatly improves the chances of full recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
