What is the difference between dengue and dengue fever

A second infection carries a higher risk of developing a harsher form. Dengue fever is most common in subtropical and tropical areas, such as Central and South America, parts of Africa, parts of Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Most cases of dengue among U. Virgin Islands, Samoa, and Guam, where the virus is endemic. Unlike malaria , dengue can happen in both urban areas and rural areas, but research published in suggested that it is more common in rural areas.

The signs and symptoms of dengue fever are similar to some other diseases, such as typhoid fever and malaria. This can sometimes delay an accurate diagnosis. Anyone who lives in or travels to an at-risk area can use a number of ways to avoid being bitten.

Clothing : Reduce the amount of skin exposed by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, tucking pant legs into shoes or socks, and wearing a hat.

Mosquito repellents : Use a repellent with at least 10 percent concentration of diethyltoluamide DEET , or a higher concentration for longer lengths of exposure. Avoid using DEET on young children.

Mosquito traps and nets : Nets treated with insecticide are more effective, otherwise the mosquito can bite through the net if the person is standing next to it. The insecticide will kill mosquitoes and other insects, and it will repel insects from entering the room.

Door and window screens : Structural barriers, such as screens or netting, can keep mosquitos out. Camping gear : Treat clothes, shoes, and camping gear with permethrin, or purchase clothes that have been pretreated. Stagnant water : The Aedes mosquito breeds in clean, stagnant water.

Checking for and removing stagnant water can help reduce the risk. Most cases of dengue fever go away within a week or two and won't cause any lasting problems.

If someone has severe symptoms of the disease, or if symptoms get worse in the first day or two after the fever goes away, seek immediate medical care. This could be an indication of DHF, which is a medical emergency. To treat severe cases of dengue fever at a hospital, doctors will give intravenous IV fluids and electrolytes salts to replace those lost through vomiting or diarrhea.

When started early, this is usually enough to effectively treat the disease. In more advanced cases, doctors may have to do a blood transfusion. In all cases of dengue infection, efforts should be made to keep the infected person from being bitten by mosquitoes.

This will help prevent the illness from spreading to others. There's no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best protection is to prevent bites by an infected mosquito. Be sure to:. By taking these precautions and keeping your kids away from areas that have a dengue fever epidemic, the risk of contracting dengue fever is small for international travelers. Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD. You can get it again if you've had it before, as you'll only be immune to one type of the virus.

There's currently no widely available vaccine for dengue. You can prevent it by avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes. It's a good idea to speak to a GP, practice nurse or visit a travel clinic before travelling to get specific advice about what you can do to avoid dengue and other travel illnesses.

In rare cases dengue can be very serious and potentially life threatening. This is known as severe dengue or dengue haemorrhagic fever. People who've had dengue before are thought to be most at risk of severe dengue if they become infected again.

It's very rare for travellers to get it. Page last reviewed: 08 August Next review due: 08 August Symptoms of dengue Symptoms of dengue usually develop suddenly, about 5 to 8 days after you become infected.

Symptoms can include: a high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery a severe headache pain behind the eyes muscle and joint pain feeling or being sick a widespread red rash tummy pain and loss of appetite The symptoms normally pass after about 1 week, although you may feel tired and slightly unwell for several weeks afterwards.

In rare cases severe dengue can develop after the initial symptoms. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dengue DENG-gey fever is a mosquito-borne illness that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Viral hemorrhagic fever. Mayo Clinic; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Oct. Dengue and severe dengue. World Health Organization. Ferri FF. Dengue fever.

In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor