Dengue Specialists in Chandigarh
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water aroun…
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What is Dengue?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water around homes. It is endemic across much of India and tends to surge sharply during and after the monsoon season when mosquito breeding conditions are favourable. The illness typically presents with sudden high fever accompanied by severe body pain, giving it the historical name "breakbone fever." While most cases are self-limiting, a small proportion progress to severe dengue with plasma leakage, bleeding, and organ impairment, which can be life-threatening without prompt medical care. Early recognition and close monitoring of warning signs are critical to preventing complications.
Moderate
Common — India reports well over 100,000 cases annually, with sharp seasonal spikes after monsoon
No
Causes of Dengue
Caused by infection with one of four dengue virus serotypes, transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito that breeds in clean, stagnant water in containers, coolers, and discarded items around homes. A second infection with a different serotype carries a higher risk of severe dengue due to antibody-dependent enhancement. Risk increases in densely populated urban areas with poor water storage practices and during the monsoon and post-monsoon months.
Symptoms of Dengue
Sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, intense joint and muscle pain, skin rash, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding gums, abdominal pain, persistent fatigue
Treatment & Types of Dengue in Chandigarh
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue; management focuses on supportive care including adequate fluid replacement, rest, and paracetamol for fever and pain, while aspirin and NSAIDs are avoided due to bleeding risk. Patients are closely monitored with regular platelet counts and haematocrit checks to detect early signs of plasma leakage or severe dengue. Hospitalisation with intravenous fluids or blood product transfusion is required for severe cases showing warning signs such as persistent vomiting, bleeding, or abdominal pain.
Dengue is classified by the World Health Organization into dengue without warning signs, dengue with warning signs such as persistent vomiting or abdominal pain, and severe dengue, involving plasma leakage, significant bleeding, or organ impairment. There are also four distinct dengue virus serotypes, and infection with a second, different serotype carries a notably higher risk of progressing to severe dengue.
General Medicine Specialists in Chandigarh (0)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get dengue more than once?
Yes, since there are four different dengue virus serotypes and infection with one provides only partial protection against the others, a second infection with a different serotype is possible and carries a higher risk of severe disease.
What warning signs mean I need to go to the hospital with dengue?
Persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums or nosebleeds, and lethargy are warning signs that require immediate hospital evaluation, since they can precede rapid deterioration.
Why should I avoid aspirin and ibuprofen with dengue?
These medications increase bleeding risk in a disease that already affects platelets and blood vessels, so paracetamol is used instead for fever and pain relief.
How long does it take to recover from dengue?
Most people recover within one to two weeks with rest and supportive care, though fatigue can linger for several weeks afterward, and regular platelet monitoring during the acute illness helps catch complications early.
Is there a vaccine for dengue?
A dengue vaccine exists and is recommended in some countries for people with a confirmed prior dengue infection, but mosquito control and bite prevention remain the primary protective strategy for most people; discuss eligibility with your doctor.