Dengue fever may occur in people of all ages who are exposed to infected mosquitoes. The disease occurs mainly in tropical Asia and the Caribbean, usually during the rainy seasons in areas with high numbers of infected mosquitoes.

Dengue fever is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

Dengue fever is characterized by the rapid development of a fever that may last from five to seven days with intense headache, joint and muscle pain and a rash. The rash develops on the feet or legs three to four days after the beginning of the fever. The hemorrhagic form of dengue fever is more severe and associated with loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever, headache and abdominal pain. Shock and circulatory failure may occur. Untreated hemorrhagic dengue results in death in up to 50 percent of cases.

Dengue fever may occur from three to 15 days after exposure to an infected mosquito, commonly within five to six days.

Immunity may be produced to the same strain of dengue virus after repeated exposures.

There is no specific treatment available. Intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy are often used for patients who experience shock during their illness.

Since cases of dengue appearing in New York are imported, control measures are limited to advising travelers to affected areas to minimize exposure to infected mosquitoes. Use of mosquito netting and repellents may be helpful in minimizing exposure.

New York State Department of Health