After being bitten by a mosquito carrying dengue virus, most patients experience no symptoms or only mild symptoms and fever for about a week.
FIRST “FEBRILE” PHASE: Approximately 20% of people who have been infected experience a febrile phase around 4-7 days after the mosquito bite; although in some cases, symptoms might not begin until 14 days after the bite. The symptoms of this first febrile phase include sudden fever, headache behind the eyes, bone/muscle/joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. The first phase usually lasts about a week.
SECOND “CRITICAL” PHASE: In rare cases, symptoms requiring emergency care develop in the second critical phase. These symptoms include decreased mentation, rapid or labored breathing, severe abdominal pain or swelling, low blood pressure, bleeding, fatigue, weakness, and changes in color or temperature of the skin. Patients who have these symptoms must receive emergency medical care. This condition is also called SEVERE DENGUE and it is very rarely fatal.
THIRD “RECOVERY” or “CONVALESCENT” PHASE: After the first or second phases, patients notice a dramatic improvement in symptoms. During this 1-3 day recovery phase, patients may experience a low heart rate and itching.
AFTER DENGUE: After recovering, some patients continue to have fatigue, headache, decreased concentration, memory problems, or sleep disturbances.
Women who are infected during pregnancy may have a higher risk of miscarriage. Babies born to mothers who become infected during pregnancy may be born prematurely or at low birth weights.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of dengue fever, request an appointment with a Global doctor today.