Payia Chantadisai, M.D. on Aug 22, 2023
3 min read
4.2
The dengue virus has 4 serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Typically, dengue fever presents with mild symptoms or may even be asymptomatic. However, in some cases it can lead to severe symptoms, progressing to shock and even death. It is a disease that is difficult to predict whether an individual will experience mild or severe symptoms.
The 4 serotypes of the dengue virus circulate and alternate in causing outbreaks, which leads to varying serotypes spreading each year. However, it has been observed that the main serotypes causing outbreaks in Thailand are serotypes 1 and 2. The diversity in outbreaks means that our immunity might not cover all circulating serotypes, as infection with one serotype only provides long-term immunity to that specific serotype. Temporary cross-protection against other serotypes might occur, but it is possible to get infected with different serotypes of the dengue virus at different times throughout our lives.
If a second infection with the dengue virus occurs from a serotype different from the first infection, it may increase the risk of experiencing more severe symptoms. This is because a second infection triggers an immune response to the previously encountered serotype, which is not effective at preventing the disease. This allows the dengue virus to spread more easily, leading to increased severity of symptoms, meaning a second infection is more likely to result in more severe symptoms than the initial infection.
The Aedes mosquito is the carrier that transmits the dengue virus. These mosquitoes tend to thrive in warm climates. Hence, whether in urban or rural areas, as long as there are people residing, the Aedes mosquitoes that carry the disease can breed and grow. This means that anybody can contract the virus at any time.
Diseases like dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika virus, malaria, and other viral infections such as the common cold or even COVID-19, can sometimes lead to confusion regarding their symptoms.
Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Zika virus are diseases caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes which typically bite during the daytime. Malaria, too, is transmitted by mosquitoes but the infection is caused by a parasite. Each of these diseases can manifest a wide range of symptoms, including fever, headaches, muscle pain and joint pain. While the common cold and COVID-19 can both initially cause symptoms synonymous with dengue fever, they also involve symptoms that differ from dengue, such as coughing, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Furthermore, it's important to note that mosquitoes are not involved with the spread of the common cold or COVID-19, with transmission of these diseases occurring through direct contact with infected individuals.
| Diseases / Symptoms | Dengue Fever | Chikungunya | Zika virus | Malaria | Influenza | COVID-19 |
| Incubation period before symptoms present |
2-14 days after a mosquito bite |
3-7 days after a mosquito bite | 3-14 days after a mosquito bite | 7-30 days after a mosquito bite | 1-4 days after contact with virus | 2-14 days after contact with virus |
| Fever |  |
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| Headaches | |
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| Joint pain | |
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| Muscular pain | |
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| Rash | |
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| Fatigue | |
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| Nausea and vomiting | |
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| Chills | |
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| Joint inflammation | |
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| Eye inflammation | |
While the table above shows that these diseases might present similar symptoms, their severity varies significantly which makes self-diagnosis a challenge. If you experience these symptoms and suspect it could be dengue fever, it is important to consult a medical professional promptly as they can conduct tests to confirm whether it is indeed dengue fever or another illness. This will ensure appropriate and suitable treatment can take place thereafter.
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