Definition

• Dengue fever is caused by any of four closely related dengue viruses (dengue 1–4).
• Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, most commonly Aedes aegypti.
• All dengue viruses cause similar clinical syndromes.
  • Classic dengue fever
    • Sudden onset of high fever, severe myalgias, headache, retroorbital pain, nausea and vomiting, rash
  • In rare cases, a subsequent infection with a different serotype of dengue virus leads to:
    • Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)
    • Dengue shock syndrome (DSS)
• Dengue fever used to be called "break-bone fever" because it can entail excruciating joint and muscle pain.

The excerpt above is an example of the information available at Harrison's Practice. For full access, please subscribe today! Subscribers, log into your account below.

Login User Name: Password: Forgot your password? Remember Me

About Harrison's Practice Harrison's Practice delivers practical, concise answers to your clinical questions in an innovative and easy-to-navigate format. Available anytime, anywhere on Web, Web Wireless, and PDA, all for one subscription rate! To see a complete, unabridged topic click on any of the Free Topics below: Community-Acquired Pneumonia Cough Status Epilepticus Hypoglycemia Pancreatic Cancer Learn more