What are the consequences of an undetected dengue fever infection?
May 8, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Konrad Zellmann
Dear doctor,
I am reaching out to you because I recently returned from a tropical area and have not been feeling well for the past few days. During my stay, I got several mosquito bites and now I am worried that I may have contracted Dengue fever.
Since my return, I have noticed symptoms such as high fever, headache, body aches, and a rash. I also feel very weak and tired overall. I have compared these signs with the typical symptoms of Dengue fever on the internet and I am concerned that I may be infected.
My question to you is, what are the possible consequences of an undetected Dengue fever infection? I am very worried about potential complications and long-term damage that could be caused by the disease. Are there specific treatment options that I should consider if my suspicion is confirmed? What can I do to alleviate my symptoms and support my recovery?
I would appreciate your expert assessment and any recommendations on how to proceed. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Rolf Köhler
Dear Mr. Köhler,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a tropical medicine specialist. It is understandable that you are worried after returning from a tropical area and experiencing symptoms that could indicate dengue fever.
Dengue fever is a disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by daytime mosquitoes. The symptoms you describe - high fever, headache, body aches, rash, weakness, and fatigue - are indeed typical of dengue fever. It is important that you see a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and start appropriate treatment if necessary.
An undetected or untreated dengue fever infection can lead to serious complications, especially if it is the more severe form of the disease, dengue hemorrhagic fever. Possible complications include bleeding, organ damage, and in the worst case scenario, death. Therefore, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The treatment for dengue fever aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. This includes primarily reducing fever and pain by taking fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to compensate for the fluid loss caused by the fever. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to control fluid intake and possibly perform a blood transfusion.
To support your recovery, it is important to get plenty of rest and listen to your body. Avoid strenuous activities and ensure a balanced diet to strengthen your body's immune defenses.
I strongly recommend that you see a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and initiate necessary treatment. If it is indeed dengue fever, early treatment is crucial for a positive outcome.
I hope this information helps you and I am available for any further questions. I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.
Best regards,
Dr. Konrad Zellmann
