Overview

Dengue fever is an acute viral infection spread primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. It typically causes high fever, intense headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rash and mild bleeding. Most infections are self-limiting, but a minority progress to severe forms—dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome—which are medical emergencies requiring prompt hospital care. For pronunciation guidance see pronunciation and for general virus information see the dengue virus.

Cause and transmission

The illness is caused by dengue viruses, members of the Flavivirus genus. Four main serotypes (DENV‑1 through DENV‑4) have long been recognized; infection with one serotype gives lasting immunity to that type but only short-term cross-protection against others. The principal vectors are Aedes mosquitoes, notably Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus. These mosquitoes bite mostly during daytime and breed in small collections of standing water, so urban and peri‑urban environments favor transmission.

Symptoms and complications

Initial symptoms usually appear several days after a bite and include sudden high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint and muscle aches, and skin rash. Because of the intensity of joint and muscle pain, dengue has been nicknamed "break‑bone fever"; see more about the symptom nickname here and personal accounts there. Warning signs that suggest progression to severe disease include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding from the gums or nose, rapid breathing, lethargy, and signs of circulatory failure.

Diagnosis and clinical care

Diagnosis relies on clinical features supported by laboratory tests: detection of viral RNA or antigen (NS1) is most useful early in infection, while antibody tests (IgM/IgG) can help later. There is no antiviral cure. Management is supportive: careful fluid replacement, monitoring for bleeding and shock, and use of acetaminophen for pain and fever while avoiding aspirin and nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs because of bleeding risk. Severe cases may require intravenous fluids, blood transfusions or intensive care; these are medical emergencies and timely treatment can be lifesaving (emergency guidance and hospital protocols).

Prevention and public health

Prevention focuses on reducing mosquito populations and limiting human‑mosquito contact: eliminating standing water, using window screens and repellents, and community vector control programs. Vaccines have been developed; availability and recommendations differ by country and individual serostatus. Current licensed vaccines and guidance are evolving—see vaccine information here—and travel health advice should be consulted before travel to endemic areas. There is no universal cure, and treatment remains supportive (clinical resources).

History and epidemiology

Dengue's global incidence has risen since the mid‑20th century due to urbanization, international travel, and the expansion of vector habitats. It is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; global estimates run from tens to hundreds of millions of infections annually. For historical and surveillance records consult public health summaries. Continued research into vaccines, antiviral agents and integrated vector management remains a priority for reducing disease burden.

  • Key prevention steps: remove standing water, use repellents, support community control programs.
  • Seek medical care for warning signs or severe symptoms; early supportive care reduces complications.