Dengue: What it is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It is commonly known as 'break-bone fever' because it can cause severe body pain in some cases. It is usually seen in tropical and subtropical regions, especially common where mosquito breeding is easier, mainly because stagnant water is common and the climate remains warm for extended periods.

That said, dengue should not be taken lightly. Some cases stay mild, but others can turn severe. When severe, this mosquito-borne disease can cause serious complications, and patients may need hospital care. In fact, severe dengue can be life-threatening if treatment is delayed or not started promptly.

What are the Types of Dengue?

Here are four different types (serotypes) of the dengue virus:

• DENV-1: DENV-1 is usually connected with moderate to mild dengue infections. The symptoms commonly experienced by patients include fever, body aches, headache, and fatigue, but complications are generally less frequent than with some other strains.

• DENV-2: DENV-2 is often associated with severe dengue. The symptoms of the condition include muscle and joint pain, bleeding, and low blood pressure. In severe cases, some people develop dengue hemorrhagic fever. DENV-2 is known to be more aggressive than other serotypes, and secondary infections with DENV-2 can increase the possibility of complications.

• DENV-3: DENV-3 this serotype causes more serious complications that may include a sudden drop in blood pressure, bleeding, and weakness. These complications can increase the risk of dehydration and make it difficult for patients to maintain adequate intake of fluids and nutritions.

• DENV-4: DENV-4 is usually tied to milder infections, though severe cases can still occur. In some people, it brings shock-like symptoms with a significant fall in blood pressure, and the need for urgent medical care and close monitoring.

How Common is Dengue in India?

According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, India recorded nearly 6,927 dengue cases in just the first two months of 2026. In 2025 alone, the country reported around 1,21,824 dengue cases, of which 23,407 were from Tamil Nadu.

The growing burden of dengue is also reflected in data shared by the Union Health Ministry in the Rajya Sabha, where it showed a sharp rise in dengue cases from 44,585 in 2020 to nearly 2.33 lakh in 2024. This gradual upward movement suggests that dengue is no longer just a short-term seasonal illness but has somehow emerged as a concerning public health problem in the last few years.

Studies also suggest that dengue-related deaths may rise significantly in the coming decades, highlighting the importance of raising awareness.

What are the Symptoms of Dengue?

Dengue fever can range from a very mild illness to more serious conditions, and in many cases, people may not even realise they are infected. When symptoms do appear, they usually start a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last for about a week.

Common symptoms of dengue include:

• Sudden high fever (often up to 40°C/104°F)

• Pain behind the eyes

• Severe headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Muscle and joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Skin rash

In some cases, especially during a second infection, dengue can become severe. Signs of severe dengue include:

• Severe stomach pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Persistent vomiting

• Bleeding from the nose and gums

• Blood in stool or vomit

• Excessive fatigue and weakness

• Restlessness

• Very cold or pale skin

• Excessive thirst

What Causes Dengue?

The primary cause of dengue infection is the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito that becomes infected after feeding on the blood of a person infected with the dengue virus. They are mostly active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.

Factors that increase the risk of dengue transmission include:

• Bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

• Stagnant water where mosquitoes breed (coolers, buckets, pots, tyres, etc.)

• Poor sanitation and inappropriate waste disposal.

• Urban and semi-urban living areas with high mosquito density.

• Urban and semi-urban living areas with high mosquito density.

• Urban and semi-urban living areas with high mosquito density.

What are the Complications of Dengue?

Dengue is usually a self-limiting illness, but in some cases it can progress and lead to major health complications. These complications include:

• Severe Dehydration:fever, vomiting, and poor fluid intake can lead to dehydration.

• Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF):This is an advanced dengue infection characterised by damage to blood vessels, leading to bleeding, decreased platelet levels, and plasma leakage.

• Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): A life-threatening condition in which severe dehydration leads to a rapid decrease in blood pressure and possible organ damage.

• Internal Bleeding: In severe cases, bleeding may occur in the stomach, gums, nose, or even internally in organs.

• Organ Impairment: The liver, heart, or kidneys may be affected in severe dengue infections.

• Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia): It increases the risk of bleeding and slows down the body ability to stop it.

• Respiratory Complications: Fluid accumulation in the lungs makes breathing difficult in the advanced stages of infection.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

You should see your healthcare provider as soon as you develop the following symptoms:

• High fever that persists for 2-3 days or even worsens despite initial treatment.

• Severe headaches or pain around the eyes, or severe pain in the muscles and joints.

• Continued vomiting or inability to retain water.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Bleeding from gums, nose, or other abnormal bleeding.

• Presence of blood in the vomitus or stools.

• Feeling extremely weak, dizzy or fainting episodes.

• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or reduced urination.

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

• Decreasing levels of platelets in blood tests.

How is Dengue Diagnosed?

Dengue is diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory tests. Since its symptoms often resemble other viral infections, doctors rely on both physical signs and specific blood tests to confirm the infection.

How is Dengue Managed?

Dengue is managed primarily with supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral treatment.

• Adequate Rest: The patient should ensure they get adequate rest since this will help their body fight the infection.

• Fluid Intake: Consuming plenty of fluids, such as water, ORS, and soup, is important for preventing dehydration, which might happen due to fever and vomiting.

• Fever Management: Paracetamol is usually given to patients with fever and body pain aspirin and ibuprofen are, however, not suggested due to increased risk of bleeding.

• Monitoring Platelet Count: Regular blood tests are done to track platelet levels and detect any sudden drops.

• Hospital Observation: In moderate-to-severe cases, hospitalisation may be required for close monitoring and fluid management.

• IV Fluids: In cases of dehydration or dengue shock, intravenous fluids are given to maintain blood pressure and hydration.

Dengue During Pregnancy

Dengue during pregnancy is a serious condition that requires close medical attention because it can affect both the mother and the developing baby. Pregnant women may experience similar symptoms as others, but the risks can be higher due to changes in immunity and blood circulation during pregnancy.

In some cases, dengue may increase the risk of dehydration, low platelet count, preterm labour risks, plus complications during delivery. That’s why early diagnosis and careful monitoring are very important.

Pregnant women should keep the following things in mind if diagnosed with dengue:

• medical help immediately if fever, body pain, or rash appear during pregnancy.

• not ignore warning signs, including bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting.

• blood tests done early if dengue is suspected.

• Monitor platelet count regularly.

• Keep hydrated by drinking enough fluids as recommended by a doctor.

• Rest adequately during sickness.

• Consider hospitalisation if symptoms get worse or if the movements of the baby become less than normal.

Can Dengue Be Cured?

Dengue cannot be directly treated with a specific medicine, as there is no antiviral cure for the infection. Since Dengue is self-limiting; the body fights off the infection on its own with proper rest, hydration, and medical care. With early diagnosis and supportive treatment, most people recover completely within 1-2 weeks, while close monitoring helps prevent complications in severe cases.

How Can I Prevent Dengue?

Here are the basic tips that can help you stay protected against dengue:

• your healthcare provider whether the dengue vaccination is appropriate for you.

• Use mosquito repellent on your exposed skin, particularly during the daytime.

• Screens should be fitted in windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your house.

• Wear long sleeves and light-coloured clothing to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

• Mosquito nets should be used while sleeping, even during the day.

• Remove stagnant water from coolers, pots, buckets, and other containers regularly.

• Ensure proper covering of water storage containers at home.

• Keep surroundings clean and avoid water accumulation in open areas.

Does Health Insurance Cover Dengue?

Yes, in most cases, health insurance covers dengue treatment. This usually includes hospitalisation expenses, diagnostic tests, medicines, and other OPD benefits, depending on the policy. However, the exact coverage may differ from one insurance provider to another, making it important to carefully review policy details.

Many health insurance plans have an initial waiting period before claims for dengue can be made. The exact duration may vary between the insurers and policy types. Some health insurance companies also offer specific dengue or vector-borne disease plans that provide a fixed lump sum benefit.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Dengue Treatment?

For dengue treatment, a basic health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh is usually considered adequate for most individuals, as it can easily cover hospitalisation, tests, medicines, and short-term complications in standard cases

However, for senior citizens or those with existing health complications, higher coverage of ₹10 lakh is recommended, since elderly people may require extended hospital stays, more intensive care, and closer monitoring if the infection becomes serious.