​Dengue: Beware, these life threatening symptoms can be easily overlooked​

On Tuesday, Delhi reported two more deaths caused by dengue; the number of cases of this mosquito borne virus has risen to 2,115 this year. In September, Delhi registered its first dengue death of the year after a 54-year-old man succumbed to the virus at Lok Nayak Hospital.


Last year, Delhi reported 19 dengue deaths.

One of the key signs that dengue is worsening is severe, persistent abdominal pain. This pain is usually accompanied by continuous vomiting. While mild nausea and vomiting are common in early dengue fever, excessive vomiting and unbearable stomach pain indicate a dangerous shift towards dengue hemorrhagic fever. The intensity of the pain is a red flag for internal bleeding.

Uncontrolled or spontaneous bleeding is one of the most life-threatening symptoms of severe dengue. This can manifest as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, easy bruising, or blood in stools or vomit. Women may experience heavy menstrual bleeding. The reason behind this is the drop in platelet count, which makes it difficult for the blood to clot. In advanced cases, internal bleeding can occur, which is often not visible to the naked eye but is extremely dangerous.

In severe cases of dengue, the fever becomes intense, often spiking up to 104°F (40°C). This high fever is usually accompanied by extreme fatigue and weakness. While fever is common in the early stages of the disease, prolonged high fever that doesn’t respond to medication is concerning. The body’s energy is drained, and dehydration can set in quickly, worsening other symptoms. The fatigue can become so severe that patients may be unable to stand or move around, signaling a need for urgent care.

Fluid leakage from blood vessels is a critical symptom of severe dengue. The body’s capillaries become permeable, leading to fluid accumulating in spaces like the lungs or abdomen. This can cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, and rapid breathing. Fluid accumulation in the lungs is particularly dangerous as it can cause respiratory distress, making it difficult for the patient to breathe properly. If not treated quickly, this condition can lead to suffocation or organ failure.

Dengue shock syndrome is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to shock. This occurs when the circulatory system fails to supply adequate oxygen to vital organs, causing them to shut down. Symptoms of shock include cold, clammy skin, a rapid but weak pulse, and confusion. In some cases, patients may faint or lose consciousness.

Severe dehydration is another potentially fatal symptom of dengue fever. As the body loses fluids through vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea, dehydration can set in quickly. Symptoms include extreme thirst, dry mouth, sunken eyes, and reduced urination. In children, this might also show as irritability or listlessness. Dehydration, if untreated, can lead to kidney failure or exacerbate other symptoms, making the patient’s condition more critical.

Patients with dengue often report excruciating headaches and pain behind the eyes, a symptom referred to as retro-orbital pain. This pain becomes more severe as the disease progresses, potentially indicating inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. If untreated, this can lead to neurological complications, seizures, or even coma. While headache is a common symptom in many viral infections, the severity in dengue fever can be a signal that the disease is moving into a dangerous phase.