DHF, or Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, is an acute febrile illness caused by infection with dengue viruses. It's characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms including:
- High fever: A significant temperature increase marks the beginning of the illness.
- Intense headache: Severe head pain is a common and prominent symptom.
- Muscle pain (myalgia): Pain and aches in the muscles are frequently experienced.
- Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain): This specific pain location is characteristic of dengue.
- Joint pain (arthralgias): Pain in the joints is another common symptom.
- Loss of appetite (anorexia): Reduced desire to eat is frequent.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur.
In more severe cases, DHF can lead to severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleeds), and bleeding from the gums. DHF primarily affects children under 15, though adults can also be infected.
The illness is spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. While mild dengue fever may only cause flu-like symptoms, DHF represents a more severe form of the disease.
Key characteristics summarized:
- Transmission: Mosquito-borne (Aedes mosquitoes)
- Primary affected population: Children under 15, but can affect adults.
- Onset: Sudden
- Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, retro-orbital pain, anorexia, and potential gastrointestinal issues.
- Severity: Can range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
The information provided is based on multiple sources, including scientific publications and health organizations like the Mayo Clinic, CDC, and WHO. Further information can be obtained from these organizations' websites.
