Symptoms of Dengue and Chikungunya: Know the Signs

Dengue

When a mosquito carrying the dengue virus bites a person, that individual usually develops dengue fever within a few days. Most dengue cases resolve within six to seven days. However, hemorrhagic dengue (dengue with bleeding) is more severe and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Symptoms:

• Platelet count drops. Other symptoms include body aches, headache, red eyes, eye pain, watery eyes, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting.

• Rash may appear on different parts of the body.

• In hemorrhagic dengue, bleeding can occur from the gums, nose, vomiting, urinary tract, and other body parts. Blood may also pool under the skin, forming spots or patches.

Treatment:

• The patient should have complete rest.

• Drink plenty of water or other fluids.

• Only paracetamol-type medications should be used to reduce fever. Painkillers like aspirin or diclofenac should be avoided as they can increase bleeding risk.

• If any signs of bleeding appear, immediate hospitalization is necessary.

• If someone has dengue, keep them isolated under a mosquito net to prevent transmission to others.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease similar to dengue, transmitted through bites of female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It can affect 10 or more joints in the body but is a preventable disease.

Symptoms:

• Chikungunya symptoms are similar to dengue but usually with higher fever (often up to 104°F or 40°C). The illness typically lasts 2–5 days and resolves on its own.

• Severe pain and swelling may occur in fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, spine, or other joints. Pain may persist even after fever subsides.

• Severe headache and muscle weakness may also occur.

• After the fever ends, pain resolves within three weeks in about 70% of patients; for the remaining 30%, pain may last longer.

• Unlike dengue, chikungunya does not reduce platelet count or cause bleeding or death.

Treatment:

• Prevent mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites to avoid chikungunya.

• Ensure complete rest and encourage intake of plenty of water, fruit juice, or other fluids.

• Avoid social interactions during the infectious period.

• Chikungunya can usually be treated at home; there is no specific cure.

• Supportive treatment with paracetamol is sufficient to reduce fever and pain.

• If pain is severe, tramadol-type medications may be used temporarily; avoid NSAIDs if unnecessary.

• For sore throat, frequent gargling with warm salt water can help.