The Dengue Dance?

Discussion Dengue is an important arboviral infection that affects about 40% of the world population. It is found mainly in topical and subtropical areas of the world mainly in developing countries but it range is spreading including the United States. A review of common arboviruses can be found here. It is a flaviavirus with 4 distinct serotypes named DENV-1 through DENV-4 and is spread by A. aegypti a day biting mosquito. Infection with one serotype confers immunity to that serotype but not the others. It does offer some protection for cross-infection but this only lasts a few months. Incubation period is 3-14 days with an average of 7 after exposure. A primary infection is usually benign. A second infection with another serotype or multiple infections with different serotypes can cause severe infections. Dengue fever (DF) presents with skin flushing and abrupt high fever (often biphasic 39.4-40.5C) but could also usually be lower that lasts for 5-7 days. Myalgia and pain especially headache or retroorbital pain is generally constant but remits in a few days. Anorexia, nausea, emesis or abdominal pain occur. Fatigue, lethargy or restlessness are also common. A maculopapular, blanching rash over the body occurs often on day 3-4 of fever and fades with time. DF is sometimes referred to as break-bone fever because of the intense fever. Dengue hemorrhagic fever or Dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS) are different in that patients have the same symptoms but start to have signs of ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news