There are no specific anti-viral tablets or injections that can kill the virus. However a lot of supportive care and treatment can go a long way to save a patient suffering from dengue fever.
Fever is treated by anti-pyretics, like paracetamol.
Pain in the bone should be treated by analgesics or pain killing tablets.
In case of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome hospitalization is a must. The mortality rate in the absence of hospitalization can be as high as 50%. With proper treatment the mortality comes down to 3%. More supportive treatment, like intravenous fluid replacement is required to prevent shock in these patients.
Vaccines are being developed against all 4 serotypes and they will definitely be the most effective way to prevent the disease.
Prevention of mosquito breeding has by and large failed in most endemic countries.
Patients are prone to dehydration hence they should drink plenty of fluids. If necessary a few days of intra-venous fluids can be administered in the form of normal saline or dextrose saline.
In some cases, oxygen is helpful.
Dengue fever is a flu-like illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. One major difference, however, is that malaria is often eradicated in major cities, whereas dengue is often found in urban areas of developed tropical nations, including singapore, taiwan, indonesia, and brazil. Caused by one of four closely related virus serotypes of the genus flavivirus, family flaviviridae, each serotype is sufficiently different that there is no cross-protection and epidemics caused by multiple serotypes can occur. Dengue is transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which feeds during the day. The mosquito flourishes during rainy seasons but can breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year round. One mosquito bite can inflict the disease. Dengue fever is common and may be increasing in Southeast Asia.
Dengue fever should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a separate disease and frequently deadly. An infected person cannot spread the infection to other persons but can be a source of dengue virus for mosquitoes for about 6 days. Dengue viral infections frequently are not apparent. Classic dengue primarily occurs in nonimmune, nonindigenous adults and children. All ages are susceptible. In endemic areas, a high prevalence of immunity in adults may limit outbreaks to children. Persons who were previously infected with one or more types of dengue virus are thought to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever if infected again. Clothing, mosquito repellent, and netting can help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Traveling during periods of minimal mosquito activity can also be helpful.
