Heat Waves: Climate Change's Rising Threat

 What is Dengue Virus?

Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne infection caused by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

It spreads mostly in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, South America, and the southern states of the USA.

The infection often causes high fever, severe joint pain, and fatigue, and in rare cases can develop into Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, which is more dangerous.

Note: Dengue virus does not spread directly from person to person — only through infected mosquito bites.

Dengue virus spreads through Aedes aegypti mosquito bites

Symptoms of Dengue Virus

Symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Early Symptoms

• Sudden high fever (up to 104°F)

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Muscle and joint pain

• Skin rash (red spots on arms & legs)

• Mild bleeding (from nose or gums)

Severe Symptoms (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)

• Persistent vomiting

• Severe abdominal pain

• Drop in blood pressure

• Internal bleeding (rare cases)

Common dengue virus symptoms and severe warning signs

Read our full guide on Zika Virus — Causes and Prevention Guide

Treatment and Home Care

There is no specific antiviral medicine for dengue, but with proper care, most patients recover completely.

Doctor Recommended Care

• Take Paracetamol for fever and pain (avoid Aspirin & Ibuprofen)

• Stay hydrated with water and fruit juices

• Get complete rest

• Regularly check platelet count if fever lasts more than 3 days

Home Remedies

• Papaya leaf extract helps improve platelet count

• Coconut water for hydration

• Fresh fruits and light meals for recovery

Dengue virus recovery tips — doctor care & natural remedies

Dengue Prevention Tips 2025

The best defense against dengue is prevention — avoiding mosquito bites.

Top Prevention Tips

• Use mosquito repellents (DEET-based)

• Sleep under mosquito nets

• Wear long sleeves and light-colored clothes

• Keep surroundings clean

• Remove standing water near homes

• Use mosquito coils or vaporizers in the evening

Prevention is better than cure — avoid mosquito bites

[Also read: Malaria vs Chikungunya — Key Differences Explained]

Global & USA Impact of Dengue (2025)

According to CDC reports (2025), dengue cases are rising in the USA due to travel-related infections.

Climate change and global travel have extended mosquito breeding seasons, increasing local cases.

In 2025, a few local transmission cases have been reported in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

Global dengue impact 2025 — USA witnessing imported and local cases

Conclusion and Awareness Message

Dengue virus is not fatal if diagnosed and treated on time.

The best protection is prevention — keep your home clean and stop mosquito breeding early.

Stay alert, stay safe — health awareness saves lives.

Learn more: Chikungunya Virus — Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention 2025 Update

Stay alert, stay safe — protect yourself from dengue