Understanding Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Causes, and What You Need to Know

Dengue Fever Overview

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquito.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Patients exhibiting the following symptoms may have dengue fever:
– High fever
– Nausea and vomiting
– Headache
– Bone and muscle pain
– Skin rash

Testing for Dengue Fever

Types of Tests

To detect dengue, several tests can identify the presence of viral antigens in the blood, including:
– NS1 Serology
– IgG and IgM for Dengue
– PCR test
– Platelet count

Choosing the Right Test

The appropriate test depends on the duration of the fever:
– NS1 test is recommended for fever lasting 1-2 days
– IgG and IgM tests are suitable if the fever has persisted for 5-6 days
– Platelet count should be assessed after 5-6 days of fever
– PCR can be performed at any time

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding Results

– A positive NS1 test indicates a high likelihood of dengue infection.
– The interpretation of IgG and IgM results is more complex:
– Both IgG and IgM positive suggests a current infection.
– Only IgM positive also indicates a current infection.
– IgG positive and IgM negative implies a past infection.
– A positive PCR test confirms dengue.
– If platelet counts decrease, additional tests may be necessary for confirmation.

Expert Insight

This information is provided by Dr. Ankush Nayyar (MBBS, MD Pathology). For more detailed information, please watch the accompanying video.