Every monsoon season, hospitals across India witness a surge in dengue fever cases. This mosquito-borne viral infection, though preventable, continues to affect millions each year — sometimes turning fatal.
Dengue is not just “another fever”; it’s a systemic viral illness that can range from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

At nellikka.life, we break down what dengue really is, how it spreads, and — most importantly — how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the Dengue virus (DENV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family — the same family responsible for Zika and Yellow Fever.

There are four distinct types (serotypes) of dengue virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
Getting infected with one type gives you lifelong immunity to that specific serotype — but not to the others.
This is why a person can be infected with dengue up to four times in their lifetime.

How Does One Get Affected by Dengue?

The Bite of the Aedes Mosquito

Dengue spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito (and less commonly Aedes albopictus).
When this mosquito bites a person already infected with the dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito’s body.
After about 8–12 days, the mosquito becomes infectious and can transmit the virus to healthy individuals through subsequent bites.

Timing and Behavior of the Mosquito

• Bites mostly during the day (early morning and late afternoon).
• Breeds in clean, stagnant water — in buckets, flower pots, water tanks, AC trays, tires, coconut shells, etc.
• Can survive indoors and bite multiple people during one feeding cycle.

Human-to-Mosquito-to-Human Transmission

Once bitten by an infected mosquito, the virus enters the bloodstream and multiplies.
The incubation period (time between bite and symptoms) is usually 4 to 10 days.

Is Dengue Contagious?

No — dengue is not contagious.
It does not spread directly from person to person through touch, air, saliva, or food.

However, an infected person can be a source of infection for mosquitoes — if an uninfected mosquito bites them during the first 4–5 days of illness, it can carry the virus and spread it further.
So while it’s not contagious in the traditional sense, it can indirectly spread through mosquitoes in the surroundings.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after being bitten and may last 2–7 days.

Mild Dengue Symptoms

• Sudden high fever (up to 104°F / 40°C)
• Severe headache (especially behind the eyes)
• Muscle, joint, and bone pain (“breakbone fever”)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rashes appearing after a few days
• Mild bleeding (gums, nose, or easy bruising)

Severe Dengue (DHF / DSS)

Occurs when the infection leads to plasma leakage, bleeding, or organ impairment. Warning signs include:

• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Rapid breathing
• Fatigue, restlessness
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Cold, clammy skin
  This condition requires urgent hospitalization.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors

Environmental Causes

• Accumulation of stagnant water (ideal mosquito breeding grounds)
• Urban overcrowding
• Poor waste management and uncovered water storage

Climatic Conditions

• Warm, humid weather during monsoon and post-monsoon months accelerates mosquito breeding.

Individual Factors

• Living or working near construction sites or open water sources
• Wearing clothing that leaves skin exposed
• Lack of preventive measures like repellents or window screens

Complications of Dengue

If not treated promptly, dengue can cause:

• Severe dehydration
• Liver inflammation
• Bleeding and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
• Shock and multi-organ failure (in severe cases)

Early diagnosis and fluid management are key to survival.

Prevention: How to Protect Yourself from Dengue

1. Prevent Mosquito Breeding

• Empty and clean water containers, flower pots, and bird baths every 2–3 days.
• Cover water storage tanks tightly.
• Dispose of discarded tires, coconut shells, and cans where water can collect.
• Use mosquito larvicides (under expert supervision) in large water bodies.

2. Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants.
• Apply mosquito repellents (containing DEET, picaridin, or citronella).
• Use mosquito nets and window screens.
• Avoid perfumes that attract mosquitoes.

3. Environmental Hygiene

• Keep surroundings clean and dry.
• Introduce fish species like Gambusia that eat mosquito larvae in water bodies.
• Use mosquito coils or vaporizer mats indoors during peak hours.

4. Vaccination

A dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) exists but is currently approved only for individuals with previous dengue infection in certain countries. It’s not yet widely available or recommended for general public use in India.

5. Early Diagnosis & Medical Care

If you develop fever during mosquito season, especially with rashes or joint pain, seek medical attention early.
Timely testing and hydration can prevent complications.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue.
Management focuses on symptom relief and maintaining fluid balance.

• Paracetamol for fever and pain (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen — they can worsen bleeding).
• Adequate hydration is crucial.
• Hospital monitoring for severe cases (especially for platelet levels and vital signs).

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor immediately if you have:

• High fever lasting more than 2–3 days
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting
• Bleeding gums or nose
• Persistent fatigue or confusion
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little urination)

Block the Bite

Dengue fever reminds us how small lapses in hygiene can lead to big public health crises.
By simply eliminating stagnant water, protecting ourselves from mosquito bites, and spreading awareness, we can stop dengue before it starts.

It’s not contagious — but it’s definitely preventable.
Prevention begins at home, and awareness saves lives.

References

1. Dengue and severe dengue
2. Dengue fact sheet
3. Dengue