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Dengue Fever (Breakbone Fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by dengue virus. Dengue virus is found in many tropical parts of the world including the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, and Africa. Although cases originating in the United States are rare, outbreaks have been reported in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop 3 to 14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and typically last between two to seven days.

Symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Severe headache
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Backache
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Eye pain
  • Rash

A small proportion of people, especially those infected with dengue in the past, can develop severe dengue. The disease may progress to bleeding from the nose or gums, and internal bleeding. Severe dengue is a medical emergency and can be deadly.

Prevention

The main risk factor for dengue among NYC residents is travel to an area where dengue is present. Four to six weeks before traveling, speak to your health care provider or visit CDC: Travelers’ Health for information on your specific travel destination.

If traveling to areas where dengue is present, take precautions to avoid mosquito bites:

  • Use an insect repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-methane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone on any exposed skin.
  • Wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants outside, especially around dawn and dusk. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
  • Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net if staying somewhere without screens or windows.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The virus is diagnosed by a blood test.

There is no specific treatment available. If you are infected with the virus, you may receive medications to help relieve your symptoms. Patients with severe dengue should be monitored in the hospital and may receive fluids through an IV or oxygen if they experience shock or trouble breathing.

Additional Resources

More Information