Dengue cases surge every monsoon in India. Know the exact warning signs, the dangerous "warning phase" symptoms, and how to protect your family.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that infects 100 million people globally every year, with India accounting for a significant share during the monsoon and post-monsoon period (July–November). Understanding it thoroughly can be life-saving.
How Dengue Spreads
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary carrier. It breeds in clean, stagnant water — flower pots, coolers, tyres, buckets, and overhead tanks with gaps. It bites primarily during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Phases of Dengue
Febrile Phase (days 1–3):
- Sudden high fever (39–40°C)
- Severe headache and retro-orbital pain (behind eyes)
- Body and joint pain ("breakbone fever")
- Flushed face, nausea, vomiting
Critical Phase (days 4–6):
- Fever may drop — do NOT assume recovery
- Plasma leaking from blood vessels can cause shock
- Platelet count drops significantly
- Warning signs: abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, rapid breathing, restlessness, blood in urine/stool
The Critical Phase is when dengue becomes life-threatening. If fever drops suddenly and the patient becomes restless or feels very unwell, go to hospital immediately — this may be severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever).
Recovery Phase (days 7–10):
- Fluid reabsorbed
- Platelet count rises
- Rash may reappear
- Fatigue for 1–2 more weeks
Diagnosis
- NS1 Antigen Test — positive in first 1–5 days of fever
- Dengue IgM/IgG Antibody Test — positive after day 5
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) — monitors platelet count (normal: 1.5–4 lakh/µL; dengue risk below 50,000)
Treatment — What You Can and Cannot Do
Do:
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids (ORS, coconut water, fresh lime juice)
- Take Paracetamol for fever and pain
- Monitor temperature and platelet count as advised by doctor
- Hospital admission if platelet count falls below 1 lakh or warning signs appear
Avoid:
- Aspirin and Ibuprofen (NSAIDs) — they reduce platelets further and increase bleeding risk
- Papaya leaf extract is popular but evidence is limited — always consult your doctor first
Prevention
- Empty or cover all water storage containers weekly
- Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin
- Wear full-sleeve clothing during peak mosquito hours
- Use mosquito nets — especially for children and elderly
- Keep doors and windows screened
- Use larvicide in water tanks where approved
One Aedes mosquito can infect multiple family members. If one person at home has dengue, everyone else should use repellent, check for symptoms, and eliminate all stagnant water immediately.