You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page.
Turn on more accessible mode
Turn off more accessible mode
Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Turn off Animations
Turn on Animations
CTDetailNew
It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.
Appointment
Find a Condition or Treatment
Find a Doctor
Menu
MAIN
Back to Home
About Us
Corporate Profile
Newsroom
Visitors Information
Contact Us
Patient Care
Specialties & Services
Your Clinic Visit
Cancer Information & Patient Support
E-Services
Find a Doctor
Research & Innovation
Research Labs
Programmes
Facilities
Our Researchers
Clinical Trials
SingHealth Research
Education & Training
Overview
Professional Development
Division of Cancer Education
Events
SingHealth Academy
Careers
Sponsorship
Scholarships
Giving
Why Give
Get Involved
Your Gift at Work
Be Informed
Make a Gift
Our Campaign
Volunteer
Specialties & Services
Back to Home
Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre
Haematology
Medical Oncology
Surgery & Surgical Oncology, SGH and NCCS
Radiation Oncology
Oncologic Imaging
Supportive & Palliative Care
Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic
Cancer Genetics Service
Lung Multidisciplinary Clinic
Nursing
NCCS Oncology @ SKH
NCCS Oncology Clinic @ CGH
Department of Psychosocial Oncology
Cancer Education and Information
Your Clinic Visit
Back to Home
Book an Appointment
When seeing a doctor
Pharmacy
Outpatient Pharmacy
Oncology Pharmacy
Search a medication
FAQ
Medicine
Charges & Payment
Financial Aid
Video Consultation
Cancer Information & Patient Support
Back to Home
For Patients
For Caregivers
Publications
Cancer Information Booklets
In Good Health
Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Awards
Patient Stories
E-Services
Back to Home
Make/Change/Cancel Appointment
Request for Medical Report
Health Buddy App
Find a Doctor
Home
to skip to the main content on a page
to skip to the main content on a page
About Us
Back to Home
Corporate Profile
Vision & Mission
NCCS Leadership
Annual Report
Awards
Key Milestones
Whistle-blowing Policy
Newsroom
Press Releases
Check Fake News
Visitors Information
Contact Us
Feedback Form
Patient Care
Back to Home
Specialties & Services
Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre
Haematology
Medical Oncology
Surgery & Surgical Oncology, SGH and NCCS
Radiation Oncology
Oncologic Imaging
Supportive & Palliative Care
Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic
Cancer Genetics Service
Lung Multidisciplinary Clinic
Nursing
NCCS Oncology @ SKH
NCCS Oncology Clinic @ CGH
Department of Psychosocial Oncology
Cancer Education and Information
Your Clinic Visit
Book an Appointment
When seeing a doctor
Pharmacy
Medicine
Charges & Payment
Financial Aid
Video Consultation
Cancer Information & Patient Support
For Patients
For Caregivers
Publications
Patient Stories
E-Services
Make/Change/Cancel Appointment
Request for Medical Report
Health Buddy App
Find a Doctor
Research & Innovation
Back to Home
Research Labs
Cellular & Molecular Research
Medical Sciences
Clinical Trials & Epidemiological Sciences
NCCS Research Committee & Scientific Advisory Board
Research Divisions Organisation Chart
Programmes
Disease Focus
Research Themes
Joint Breast Cancer Registry
Asia-Pacific Hepatocellular Carcinoma Trials Group
The VICTORY Consortium
Facilities
Overview
Specialised Units
Shared Facilities
Shared Services
Research Contracts and Commercialisation
Our Researchers
Division of Medical Oncology
Division of Surgery & Surgical Oncology, SGH and NCCS
Division of Radiation Oncology
Division of Oncologic Imaging
Division of Supportive and Palliative Care
Cellular and Molecular Research
Division of Medical Sciences
Clinical Trials & Epidemiological Sciences
Research Biennial Book
Clinical Trials
About Clinical Trials
Current Clinical Trials
ECRU
About Clinical Trials & Epidemiological Sciences
Clinical Trials Office
Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit
SingHealth Research
Education & Training
Back to Home
Overview
Professional Development
Continuing Medical Education
Continuing Nursing Education
Continuing Pharmacist Education
Division of Cancer Education
Undergraduate Education Unit
Postgraduate Education Unit
Nursing & Allied Health Education Unit
Faculty Development & Support Education Unit
Primary Care Oncology Education Unit
Communications, Mentoring, Ethics and Professionalism Education Unit
Medical Humanities Education Unit
Events
SingHealth Academy
Careers
Back to Home
Sponsorship
Career Conversion Programme
Scholarships
Giving
Back to Home
Why Give
About Us
Funding Innovative Research
Preventing Cancer
Advancing Medical Education
Helping Our Patients
Furthering Donor Impact
How Your Gift Helps
Get Involved
Honouring Your Gift
Become a Corporate Donor
Leave Your Legacy
Fundraise for Us
Join a Special Event
Your Gift at Work
Stories of Hope
Researchers in Action
Support for Patients
Our Work in the Community
Training Future Experts
Be Informed
Our Publications
Financial Statements
Make a Gift
Our Campaign
Make More Survivors
Jeans For Genes
Women VS Cancer
BCAM 2023
LCAM 2023
Volunteer
Home
>
Patient Care
>
Conditions and Treatment
>
Dengue Fever
Facebook
WhatsApp
Email Us
share
Font Resize
A-
A
A+
Print
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever - What it is
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is an illness caused by dengue virus, which is carried and spread by the Aedes mosquitoes. These viruses cause the body to bleed easily and may affect other organ systems.
Dengue Fever - Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of dengue fever?
The common symptoms are
Fever
Headache
Muscle and joint aches.
Rash-different types of rash which may itch and appears a few days after the onset of fever.
Bleeding tendency- from nose, gums or other parts of the body due to low platelets. Platelets are one of the blood components which help to clot and prevent excessive bleeding. Normal levels range from 150,000 to 450,000 per millilitre.
Bruises from minor knocks and bumps.
Sometimes, dengue infection can present in a more serious form, known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).
Serious complications can occur resulting in:
Widespread bleeding.
Low blood pressure or shock due to bleeding or leaking blood vessels.
Organ failure.
Death (The risk of dying from dengue complications is very low; less than one to five percent if supportive treatment is given early).
Dengue Fever - How to prevent?
Dengue Fever - Causes and Risk Factors
Can you or your child be managed at home?
Majority of the cases are mild, self-limiting and requires no hospitalisation.
Assessment
Blood test is done daily to assess the platelet level and concentration (as it can be normal during the first few days of fever).
Blood test can also be done at the polyclinics or general practitioner (GP) clinics.
There is no antibiotic or anti-viral medication for dengue fever. The treatment is mainly supportive and for relief of symptoms. The main components of management of dengue fever are:
Fluid or water replacement
Children about one year old or weigh more than 10kg should drink at least one litre of fluids a day.
Children who weigh more than 40kg or adult should drink at least two litres of fluids a day.
This is because
- Fever increases water loss from your body.
- Dengue fever causes the blood vessels to be leaky and increases water loss f rom the blood circulation.
Symptom relief and fever control
Painkillers (eg. paracetamol) may be given to relieve pain and control fever.
Avoid aspirin (or other medications such as ibuprofen and diclofenac suppositories that affect the platelet functions) as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Medications may be given for nausea and vomiting.
Bleeding prevention and control
Rest in bed and reduce activities li ke running around and avoiding sports to reduce the risk of falls and injury.
Avoid brushing your teeth and traumatising your nose (eg. from digging) when your platelet counts drop below normal levels.
If superficial bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the bleeding point for several minutes. For nosebleeds, use fingers to apply pressure to the upper part of the nasal bridge (by squeezing) and lean forward.
Note: Seek medical attention whenever there is evidence of bleeding.
When do you or your child need to return to the hospital?
Blood platelet count less than 80,000.
Bleeding from the nose or gums without any injury.
Unwell (lethargic, drowsy or have breathing difficulty).
Vomiting or poor feeding/drinking.
Severe abdominal pain and giddiness.
Note: Hospitalisation may be considered when you or your child is presented with the above conditions.
Dengue Fever - Diagnosis
Assessment, observation and treatment during hospitalisation
Blood tests are done daily to assess the platelet level and blood concentration.
Vital signs (eg. pulse rate or blood pressure) are monitored to detect any potential complications of dengue fever.
Intravenous fluid (drip) may be required.
Platelets or blood transfusion may be given if the spontaneous bleeding.
Admission and treatment in high dependency or intensive care unit for artificial ventilation, blood pressure support and other measures may be necessary for patients who are critically ill.
When can you or your child go home?
Current hospital guidelines al low children who are well and have a rising platelet trend or platelet above 80,000 to be discharged. For adults, our doctors will assess each patient and advice on suitability for discharge.
After discharge, a repeat blood test (details included with discharge letter) should be done as and when instructed by your medical team.
A further week of rest at home with no strenuous physical activities may be advised as some patients may feel very tired.
Dengue Fever - Treatments
Dengue Fever - Preparing for surgery
Dengue Fever - Post-surgery care
Can you or your child spread dengue to others?
No. Dengue fever is not transmitted by direct spread from one person to another. It is transmitted by infected mosquito bites. Hence, persons in the same vicinity may come down with dengue fever.
Can you or your child be infected again?
Yes. There are four strains of dengue viruses. Infection with one strain will provide protection against only that particular strain. Future infection by other strains is possible. Currently, there is no vaccine available for dengue fever.
How to reduce the chances of being infected by dengue fever?
Singapore is in the tropical region where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes live. The best prevention is to get rid of mosquito breeding places:
Change water in vases or bowls (including pet water containers) on alternate days.
Remove water from flowerpot plates on alternate days.
Turn over all water storage containers.
Cover bamboo pole holders when not in use.
Cover rarely used gully traps.
Add prescribed amount of Temephos sand granular insecticide in roof gutters at least one a month.
Cover toilet bowls and floor traps when away from home for a few or more days.
Fit all floor traps with anti-mosquito valves.
Air-conditioning or window/doors with mosquitoes screen can reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.
Using mosquito repellents containing DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing can also decrease the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.
However, it is important to note
Children below two months old should avoid DEET mosquito repellent.
Children below three years old should avoid eucalyptus oil.
Children above two months old should use mosquito repellent in low er concentration of DEET between seven to 20%.
Pregnant women should reduce the usage of DEET mosquito repellent and apply on clothing instead.
Mosquito repellent with DEET in concentration between 20 to 30% is only suitable for adults.
Dengue Fever - Other Information
Overview
Article contributed by
Infectious Disease Service
,
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
The information provided is not intended as medical advice.
Terms of use
. Information provided by
Our Breast Team
Filter:
By designation or sub-specialty
By Designation:
By Sub-Specialty:
TOP
[]
Related Conditions
Related Medicine
Healthy Living Tips
by
View more
Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone.
Menopause - Doctor Q&A
Braces for Children - Doctor Q&A
Post-Stroke Exercises (Lower Limb Strength Training)
Post-Stroke Exercises (Upper Limb Strength Training)
×
SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your email inbox...
Find a Doctor
Condition & Treatment
Home
Appointment
E-services