SYMPTOMS & SIGNS
Symptoms and signs
- Dengue fever may occur from 3 to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, commonly within 4 to 7 days.
- It usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. Rash that does not blanch on pressure may also be present especially on the extremities.
- The fever can be as high as 40-41 'C, and usually continues for 2-7 days. It may be accompanied by fits in children less than 6 years old. The severity of the joint pain has given dengue the name "breakbone fever".
- The rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever.
- Vomiting and loss of appetite are common.
