Dengue FeverDengue
Dengue Fever, Mosquitos spread dengue fever, which is a viral infection. People can’t spread the virus from person to person. Mosquitos that carry the dengue virus are most common in areas of the world with tropical and subtropical climates. These include parts of:
  • South and Central America
  • Southeast Asia
  • The South Pacific
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Cases of dengue fever have been reported in Florida and Texas near the Mexican border, although it is rare in the U.S. mainland.

Most people who get dengue fever have no symptoms, or mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache. These symptoms usually last for a week or so. But sometimes dengue fever can develop into a much more serious disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

DHF causes life-threatening symptoms, including blood vessel damage and shock. Shock is a condition that can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure and organ failure.

DHF mostly affects children under 10. It can also develop if you have dengue fever and get infected a second time before you have fully recovered from your first infection.

A dengue fever test checks your blood for signs of a dengue fever infection. There are two main types of dengue fever blood tests. One looks for the virus itself; the other checks for antibodies to the virus. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to fight foreign substances like viruses.

While no medicine can cure dengue fever or DHF, other treatments can help relieve symptoms. This can make you more comfortable if you have dengue fever. It can be lifesaving if you have DHF.

Other names: dengue virus antibody, dengue virus by PCR

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include

  • Sudden, high fever
  • Severe headaches
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Severe joint and muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever
  • Mild bleeding (such as a nosebleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)
Sometimes, people mistake mild symptoms for those of the flu or another viral infection.
Younger children and people who have never had the infection before tend to experience milder cases than older children and adults. However, serious problems can develop. People with weakened immune systems as well as those with a second or subsequent dengue infection are believed to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.

What is it used for?

A dengue fever test is used to find out if you have been infected with the dengue virus. It is mostly used for people who have symptoms of illness and have recently traveled to an area where dengue infections are common.

Why do I need a dengue fever test?

Dengue Fever

You may need this test if you live or have recently traveled to an area where dengue is common, and you have symptoms of dengue fever.

Symptoms may appear four to seven days after an infected mosquito bites you.

:

  • Sudden high fever (104°F or higher)
  • Swollen glands
  • Rash on the face
  • Severe headache and/or pain behind the eyes
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) causes more severe symptoms and can be life-threatening. If you’ve had symptoms of dengue fever and/or have been in an area that has dengue, you may be at risk for DHF. Seek medical help immediately if you or your child has one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting that doesn’t go away
  • Bleeding gums
  • Nose bleeds
  • Bleeding under the skin, which may look like bruises
  • Blood in urine and/or stools
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Restlessness

What happens during a dengue fever test?

Your healthcare provider will probably ask about your symptoms and for details on your recent travels.

If the doctor suspects an infection, they will conduct a blood test to check for the dengue virus.
 

During a blood test, a healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.

After inserting the needle, we will collect a small amount of blood into a test tube or vial.

You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don’t need any special preparations for a dengue fever test.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is very little risk of having a blood test.

Slight pain or bruising may be experienced at the spot where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms are quickly resolved.

What do the results mean?

If your results were positive, talk to your healthcare provider about how to best treat your dengue fever infection. There are no medicines for dengue fever, but your provider will probably recommend that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. You may also be advised to take over-the-counter pain relievers with acetaminophen (Tylenol), to help ease body aches and reduce fever. Aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are not recommended, as they may worsen bleeding. 

Dengue Fever

If your results are positive and you have symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever, you may need to go to the hospital for treatment. Treatment may include getting fluids through an intravenous (IV) line, a blood transfusion if you’ve lost a lot of blood, and careful monitoring of blood pressure.

The following table presents a summary of results that one may observe with antibody testing.

IgM Result IgG Result Possible Interpretation
Positive Negative Current infection
Positive Positive Current infection
Low or negative or not tested Four-fold increase in samples taken 2-4 weeks apart Recent infection
Low or negative Positive Past infection
Negative Negative Too soon after initial exposure for antibodies to develop or symptoms due to another cause

Is there anything else I need to know about a dengue fever test?

If dengue is common in the area you are traveling to, you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting infected with the dengue virus.
 

. These include:

  • Apply an insect repellent containing DEET on your skin and clothing.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Use screens on windows and doors.
  • Sleep under a mosquito net.

By Mehfooz Ali

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