What are the Different Stages of Dengue Fever?

Understand the Various Stages of Dengue Fever

Dengue, a mosquito-transmitted virus, has been a serious global health concern for the past decade. According to the data published by NVBDCP, in 2024, 2,33,400 cases of dengue were reported in India.

Not only in India, a report published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that dengue has affected more than 80 countries worldwide.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is the fastest-spreading arthropod-borne disease, primarily affecting children. Adults, too, are not safe from this virus. Most of the time, the disease starts without any significant symptoms, yet it might turn into a life-threatening disease within a short span.

It follows two transmission cycles. First, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carry the dengue virus from someone already affected by the virus. Then, the same mosquito transmits the virus to another person.

What are the Stages of Dengue Fever?

Multiple factors, such as the strain of the virus, the affected patient’s age, health history and immunity, determine the progression of Dengue fever. The following are the 3 stages of dengue fever:

1. Febrile

• It is the initial stage of Dengue when a person has a sudden high fever lasting 2 to 7 days. The fever exceeds 104℉ and is often followed by immense fatigue, severe joint and muscle pain, immense fatigue and minor hemorrhagic signs like nose bleeds.

2. Critical

• At the end of the Febrile phase, when the fever starts to go away, the critical phase begins. It lasts for 24 to 48  hours, increasing capillary permeability, meaning the tiny blood vessels leak out protein, fluids and several other substances. During this time, the platelet counts drop significantly.

3. Recovery

• After the critical phase, the recovery starts. During this time, gradual reabsorption of extravascular fluids takes place. Many patients experience bradycardia or a condition in which a patient’s heart rate becomes slower than normal. This stage remains for 2 to 3 days.

What are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?

Even though most of the time, Dengue starts asymptomatic, here are some of the symptoms that might indicate that someone is affected by the virus or not:

• Sudden high fever that exceeds 104℉.
• Severe headaches, particularly behind the eyes.
• Consistent nausea and vomiting.
• Extreme pain in the joints and muscles.
• Tiredness and loss of appetite.
• Immense weakness and fatigue.
• Red-coloured rashes throughout the body, especially in the chest area.
• Swollen glands in the neck.

Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

Dengue diagnosis focuses on a patient's travel and health history, place of residence and vaccination records. To determine if a patient has dengue, a health professional suggests conducting an IgM antibody test and an NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) like RT-PCR.

Based on the serum, blood, and plasma collection, the detection of RNA or ribonucleic acid occurs. This determines whether the patient is suffering from normal or severe Dengue.   

Treatment of Dengue Fever

The treatment plan for dengue depends on the phase of the disease a patient is in. Asymptomatic patients get treated easily at OPDS with Acetaminophen and enough fluids.

Patients with severe dengue symptoms, such as bleeding nose or gums, worsening abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and pale and cold skin, require hospitalisation. If untreated, severe dengue patients have a mortality rate of 10% to 20%. However, with proper treatment, dengue can be cured fully.

Dengue Prevention and Control

Dengue fever has been a serious global concern lately. Therefore, dengue prevention and control are the best way to fight this battle. Here are some effective prevention methods:

• Use mosquito nets on windows and in bed to prevent mosquito bites.
• Proper disposal of dustbins, like separate bins for solid and liquid wastes.  
• Make people aware of dengue and its contributing factors.
• Prevent unclear water storage.
• Covering and clearing domestic water storage regularly.

Dengue fever treatment becomes easier once the healthcare provider knows the stage of the disease a patient is in. This is why spreading awareness regarding the prevention and control of dengue is the call of the hour. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been collaborating and offering support through a chain of laboratories in various countries to fight dengue. However, there is still a gap. This is why everyone needs to contribute to fully diminish the curse of dengue in the future.