Dengue has been called the most important mosquito-transmitted viral disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. Dengue fever is a benign, acute febrile syndrome occurring in tropical regions. In a small proportion of cases, the virus causes increased vascular permeability that leads to a bleeding diathesis or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Secondary infection by a different dengue virus serotype has been confirmed as an important risk factor for the development of DHF.
In 20-30% of DHF cases, the patient develops shock, known as the dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
Worldwide, children younger than 15 years make up 90% of DHF cases.[1] In the Americas, however, DHF occurs in adults and children.
Dengue fever is not contagious through person-to-person contact.
Complications
Complications are rare but may include the following:
- Brain damage from prolonged shock or intracranial hemorrhage
- Myocarditis
- Encephalopathy
- Liver failure
Go to Dengue Infection, Pediatric Dengue, and Dermatologic Manifestations of Dengue for complete information on these topics.
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