Health's Book

Definition

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, potentially deadly infection spread by certain species of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).

See also: Dengue fever

Symptoms

Early symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever are similar to those of dengue fever, but after several days the patient becomes irritable, restless, and sweaty. These symptoms are followed by a shock -like state.

Bleeding may appear as tiny spots of blood on the skin (petechiae) and larger patches of blood under the skin (ecchymoses). Minor injuries may cause bleeding.

Shock may cause death. If the patient survives, recovery begins after a one-day crisis period.

Early symptoms include:

* Decreased appetite
* Fever
* Headache
* Joint aches
* Malaise
* Muscle aches
* Vomiting

Acute phase symptoms include:

* Restlessness followed by:
o Ecchymosis
o Generalized rash
o Petechiae
o Worsening of earlier symptoms
* Shock-like state
o Cold, clammy extremities
o Sweatiness (diaphoretic)