7 Warning Signs of Dengue Fever You Can't Ignore! Learn How to Beat the Virus

Based on global data, every year, there are approximately 33 million medical cases of dengue in India. The disease has been infamous for many years and has created panic among people whenever they are bitten by a mosquito. Dengue, also known as break bone fever, is a flu-like disease caused by the Dengue virus. Generally, the condition is characterised by chills and pain throughout the body. But if the symptoms worsen to haemorrhagic fever, it can lead to severe conditions. To help you find a resort to this condition at the right time, here are the 7 warning signs of dengue fever.

What is dengue fever?

Causes of dengue disease involve mosquito bites, carrying one of four types of dengue virus (DENV). The virus is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions like Africa, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands and parts of Asia. Mostly, dengue fever is not contagious from one person to another. However, there are chances when the disease can pass from a pregnant woman to a child. The initial infection normally causes mild symptoms, but if you’re infected by the dengue virus again, your chance of serious problems increases.

What are the 7 Warning Signs of Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a severe disease and can take a life-threatening turn if you remain unchecked for a while. As a result, it is important to know the 7 warning signs of dengue fever to identify them and respond rapidly if they emerge.

1. High Fever
   If your body temperature suddenly exceeds 100°F and the fever lasts for more than a few days, it is an essential warning sign of dengue fever.
   
   
2. Severe Headache
   Among the 7 warning signs of dengue fever, severe headache is common. Your head will feel very heavy, and the temples of your head will constantly hurt.
   
   
3. Pain Behind the Eyes
   If you have dengue, you may also experience pain behind the eyes. If the pain becomes severe, immediate medical assistance would be required.
   
   
4. Joint and Muscle Pain
   If you have dengue, you may experience excruciating muscle and joint pain. It will almost make you feel your bones are crushing. Hence, dengue is also called breakbone fever.
   
   
5. Fatigue
   Fatigue is one of the 7 warning signs of dengue fever that can make you very weak. The weakness can be so severe that you may even lose the will to get out of bed.
   
   
6. Nausea and Vomiting
   Nausea followed by vomiting are also common symptoms of dengue fever. Due to prolonged and severe vomiting, one may lose fluids and become dehydrated.
   
   
7. Skin Rash
   Skin rashes are also among the 7 warning signs of dengue fever. If you experience dengue fever, red skin rashes may appear on your body, which often looks like measles.

How to stay protected?

Knowing how to safeguard yourself from dengue fever is important now that you know the 7 warning signs of dengue fever. To keep yourself away from this disease, you can:

• Keep the surroundings clean
• Wear mosquito-repellent clothes
• Sleep under mosquito nets

How to prevent mosquito bites?

Since there is no specific dengue virus treatment, it is better to keep yourself away from mosquito bites. To prevent mosquito bites:

• You can ensure the curtains are properly closed.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants so that your skin remains covered. 
• Use mosquito-repellent creams which are safe for the skin
• Cover your beds with netting.

How to eliminate mosquito breeding sites?

It is not possible to eradicate the breeding of mosquitoes in a go; however, it can control its progression if you start early. To do that:

• You can drain or fill temporary water pools with dirt.
• Avoid water stagnant in plastic covers, rain gutters, toys, etc.
• Empty and change the water in wading pools, potted plant trays and fountains at least occasionally to destroy potential mosquito breeding regions.