Dengue: Understanding the Warning Sign & Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention Strategies, Treatment, and Companies

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito and is common in tropical and subtropical regions. It can range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to death.

What are the dengue symptoms?

The common symptoms of dengue may include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Mild bleeding, such as nosebleeds and gum bleeding

In severe cases, dengue can cause a potentially fatal complication known as severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to bleeding, organ failure, and shock.

What causes dengue?

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family, which also includes the viruses that cause Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile fever.

When an Aedes mosquito bites a person who is infected with the dengue virus, it becomes infected with the virus. The virus then replicates in the mosquito’s gut and can be transmitted to other people when the mosquito bites them.

Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person, and it is not transmitted through contact with blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.

There are four different serotypes of the dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4), and infection with one serotype does not provide immunity to the other serotypes. In fact, subsequent infections with a different serotype can increase the risk of severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever.

What are the major risk factors of dengue?

The risk factors for dengue include:

• Living in or traveling to areas where dengue is common: Dengue is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions such as Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America.
• Previous dengue infection: If you have been infected with dengue before, you may be at increased risk of severe dengue if you are infected again.
• Age: Dengue can affect people of all ages, but severe dengue is more common in children under 15 years of age.
• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or who are undergoing chemotherapy, may be at increased risk of severe dengue.
• Co-infection with other viruses: Co-infection with other viruses, such as Zika or chikungunya, may increase the risk of severe dengue.
• Certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, may be at increased risk of severe dengue.
• Exposure to mosquitoes: The Aedes mosquito, which transmits dengue, breeds in standing water and is most active during the day. Living or working in areas with high mosquito populations increases the risk of dengue.

It’s important to note that not everyone who is exposed to dengue will develop symptoms or severe disease. Taking measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed, can help reduce the risk of dengue.

How is dengue diagnosed?

Dengue is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, and laboratory tests. The diagnostic process typically involves the following steps:

• Medical history: The doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and recent travel history to areas where dengue is common.
• Physical exam: The doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any signs of dengue, including fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain.
• Laboratory tests: The doctor may order blood tests to confirm the presence of the dengue virus, including a serology test to detect antibodies to the virus and a PCR test to detect the genetic material of the virus.
• Differential diagnosis: The doctor will rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the patient’s symptoms, including other viral infections such as Zika virus and chikungunya.

It’s important to note that dengue can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in the early stages when symptoms may be mild or non-specific. It’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms and have recently traveled to an area where dengue is common. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. 

How dengue is treated?

There is no specific cure for dengue, but treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment for dengue typically involves the following measures:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain and reduce fever. Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and electrolyte solutions, can help prevent dehydration and maintain blood volume.
• Rest: Getting plenty of rest can help the body recover and fight off the infection.
• Hospitalization: In severe cases of dengue, hospitalization may be necessary for supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and oxygen therapy.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of vital signs, blood tests, and other measures can help detect complications and guide treatment.

It’s important to note that some patients with dengue may develop severe complications, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. These conditions can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention. Prevention is key to reducing the risk of dengue, including measures such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent, and reducing breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Which key companies are working on the dengue treatment market?

There are several companies working on dengue vaccines and treatments, including:

• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company – produces a vaccine called Dengvaxia, which has been approved in several countries for the prevention of dengue.
• Sanofi Pasteur – produces a vaccine called Dengvaxia, which has been approved in several countries for the prevention of dengue.
• Butantan Institute – produces a vaccine called Butantan-DV, which is currently in clinical trials.
• Merck & Co. – developing a dengue vaccine called V180.
• GlaxoSmithKline – developing a dengue vaccine called TAK-003.
• Inovio Pharmaceuticals – developing a DNA-based vaccine for dengue.
• Kineta, Inc. – developing a drug called rintatolimod, which has shown promise in preclinical studies for the treatment of dengue.
• Moderna – developing a vaccine for dengue based on its mRNA technology platform.
• Biological E Limited – developing a vaccine for dengue.

In addition to pharmaceutical companies, there are also several organizations working to prevent the spread of dengue, such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These organizations work to educate the public on prevention measures such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.