Dengue Patrol smkdmpr2 - Recognizing Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Recognizing Symptoms of Dengue Fever

1
Expect an incubation period of four to seven days. Once you are bitten by a mosquito that is carrying dengue fever, the average time for symptoms to begin is four to seven days.
- While the average incubation period is from of four to seven days, you may experience symptoms as early as three days or as late as two weeks after being bitten.
2
Take your temperature. A high fever is the first symptom to appear.^[3]
- Fevers with dengue fever are high, ranging from 102°F to 105°F (38.9°C to 40.6°C).
- The high fever lasts for two to seven days, returns to normal or even a little below normal, then can rebound. You may develop a high fever again that can last for several more days.^[
3
Watch for flu-like symptoms. The initial symptoms that develop after the fever begins are generally non-specific, and are described as flu-like in nature.
- Common symptoms that occur after the fever begins include severe frontal headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and a rash.
- Dengue fever was once called “break-bone fever” due to the severe pain that is sometimes felt in the joints and muscles.
4
Monitor for symptoms of unusual bleeding. Other common symptoms caused by the virus can create hemodynamic changes, or changes that alter the flow of blood in the body.
- Examples of blood flow changes seen with dengue fever include nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, and areas of bruising.
- Additional symptoms related to changes in blood flow may be evident by reddened areas in the eyes and a sore or inflamed throat.
5
Evaluate the rash. The rash usually begins three to four days after you developed the fever, can get better for one to two days, but then can come back.
- The initial rash often involves the facial area, and can appear as flushed skin or spotty and reddened areas. The rash does not itch.
- The second rash begins on the trunk area, then spreads to the face, the arms, and the legs. The second rash can last from two to three days.
- In some cases, a rash that is made of small dots, called petechiae, may appear anywhere on the body as the fever subsides. Other rashes that sometimes occur include an itchy rash on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.