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Infectious Illnesses
Question #22314
31 days ago
62

how dengue is caused - #22314

Aarav

I am really worried about my health right now. A couple weeks ago, I went on this trip to a tropical place, Lotta mosquitos there! At first, I thought it was just the usual bites, but then I started feeling super tired and had these awful headaches. Then, bam! I woke up one day with a fever and some weird rash that appeared outta nowhere. I did some research and started thinking about how dengue is caused, but I’m not even really sure what that means?! I mean, how dengue is caused seems so complicated? I heard it's from mosquito bites, but what kinda mosquitos are we talking about?? I got curious and started checking if my symptoms matched dengue symptoms and let me tell ya, I’m freakin out a bit cause they seemed pretty close. Like, what’s the difference between just regular mosquito bites and how dengue is caused? I don't even know like, if there are certain treatments or what I should be doing right now besides just waiting and hoping it goes away. Also, is there any chance I can get it again if I have had it once? How does that even work?! I just wanna know more about how dengue is caused and what steps I should take next. Any info would be really helpful!

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Doctors' responses

Dengue is indeed transmitted through mosquito bites, specifically those of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, which are common in many tropical and subtropical areas. When these mosquitoes bite an infected person, they become carriers and can then transmit the virus to others. It’s understandable to be concerned given your recent symptoms and travel history. Dengue often presents with symptoms like high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (like nose or gum bleed). The fever and rash you’re describing could align with this, but it’s crucial to get a definitive diagnosis from a healthcare professional through proper tests, as symptoms can overlap with other viral illnesses such as Zika or chikungunya. Since dengue doesn’t typically have a direct treatment, management focuses on relieving symptoms. It’s usually recommended to rest, stay hydrated, and use paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain and fever—avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they can increase bleeding risk. Dehydration is a concern, so drinking plenty of fluids like water or oral rehydration solutions is advisable. If symptoms worsen, like experiencing severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bleeding, or if you feel very weak, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, as these can be signs of dengue hemorrhagic fever, a more severe form. Regarding your other concern, if you catch dengue once, it’s possible to get it again since there are four different virus types that cause dengue. Immunity to the first type doesn’t protect against others; in fact, a subsequent infection increases the risk of more serious complications. It’s advisable to avoid mosquito-prone areas or use protective measures like insect repellent, mosquito nets, and wearing long sleeves or pants to prevent bites. Always monitor and follow up with your doctor, ensuring your signs are assessed properly. As you focus on recovery, having a detailed medical consultation will further clarify your condition and the next steps.

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