Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever : WHO case definition

Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) are two clinical manifestations of infection with the dengue virus, transmitted by mosquitoes. While both conditions stem from the same viral cause, they differ significantly in terms of their severity, symptoms, and potential complications. Understanding these differences is crucial for clinicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of patients.

Dengue Fever (DF)

• Symptoms: DF typically presents with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding manifestations like nose or gum bleeds.
• Severity: Generally considered less severe than DHF. Patients usually recover without serious complications.
• Treatment: Mainly supportive, including hydration, antipyretics, and pain management.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

• Symptoms: In addition to the typical dengue symptoms, DHF is characterized by bleeding (skin haemorrhages, bleeding from nose or gums), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and evidence of plasma leakage (hemoconcentration, pleural effusion, ascites).
• Severity: DHF is a more severe form of dengue. It can lead to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), marked by severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, sudden change in temperature (hypothermia or hyperthermia), and altered mental status.
• Treatment: Requires more aggressive management, including close monitoring for signs of shock,...