Dengue fever can result in the following complications:
- dengue haemorrhagic fever
- dengue shock syndrome
Dengue haemorrhagic fever
Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a potentially fatal complication of dengue that can cause an enlarged liver and, in severe cases, can lead to shock (a sudden drop in blood pressure). This is called dengue shock syndrome (see below).
Symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever are the same as those for dengue, but there are sometimes also:
- tiny spots of blood on the skin
- larger patches of blood under the skin
- bleeding from your gums and nose
- a weak pulse and clammy skin
- sweatiness
- a tender abdomen (tummy) and body
- discomfort (malaise)
- loss of appetite
- fatigue (tiredness)
- sore throat and cough
Four different strains of the dengue virus can cause this complication. If you have previously been infected with one strain of dengue and are infected again with a different strain of the virus, this can cause dengue haemorrhagic fever.
Previous immunity (the body’s ability to resist infection) to a different strain of dengue virus plays a role in this serious complication.
You are also at an increased risk of getting dengue hemorrhagic fever if you are female and under 12 years of age.
The main feature of treatment for dengue haemorrhagic fever is keeping the patient’s fluids at the right level to prevent dehydration.
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS)
This is a complication of dengue haemorrhagic fever in which the symptoms above can be accompanied by symptoms of shock.
Symptoms of shock include:
- a sudden drop in blood pressure
- cold, clammy skin
- a weak rapid pulse
- dry mouth
- irregular breathing
- dilated pupils
- reduced flow of urine
Mortality rates can be as high as 40% if this serious complication is not treated. If it is treated, the mortality rate is 1-2%.
If you have any symptoms of dengue, dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, seek immediate medical help to prevent the disease progressing.
