Dengue in Adults

How Big is the Dengue Problem?

Dengue, one of the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne diseases in the world. In 2024, more than 14 million people experienced infection around the globe — more than double cases in 2023. Tragically, over 12,000 people died from severe dengue. Today, 4 billion people live in places where dengue easily spreads. By 2050, this might reach 5 billion — more than half the world’s population! It’s primarily experienced by adults, especially in cities (and if it rains, too). Adults are likely to experience 1 in 3 dengue cases in many nations. Though most people recover, adults with other health conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity) have greater rates of severe illness. Death rates drop to less than 1 in 200 with early care. ^{[1], [2], [3]}.
 

What Does Dengue Look Like in Adults?

Dengue begins 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite. Symptoms typically last 3–7 days and arrive at three levels:

1. Mild Dengue (Most Common). This is common in about 7 in 10 adults. Signs include:
   
   Sudden high fever up to 104°F / 40°C. Severe headache and pain behind the eyes. Severe body and joint pain — known as “break-bone fever”. Feeling sick, vomiting, or lacking appetite. Skin red rash (small dots or patches) after 2–5 days. Minor bleeding — nosebleeds, bleeding gums or easy bruising. Fever can come and go in two waves. This is common in dengue. ^{[4], [5]}.Dengue with Warning Signs (Act Fast!). About 2–3 in 10 adults experience these danger signs, and they usually appear 3 to 7 days after beginning fever — usually when fever drops:
    
2. Severe stomach pain (especially upper right abdomen). Repetitive vomiting (three or more in 24 hours). Bleeding — from gums, nose, blood contained within vomit or stool. Extreme fatigue, confusion, or restlessness. Belly and leg swelling or shortness of breath. Cold, sweaty skin, especially hands and feet. Little or no urine. If you see any of these go to the hospital immediately. And this is when dengue can go deadly. ^{[4], [6]}.
    
3. Severe Dengue (Hazards, but rare). Only 1-5 out of 100 adults reach this stage. It can cause: Shock — rapid, weak pulse, dizziness, fainting. Heavy internal bleeding. Organ damage — liver, heart, kidneys, or brain swelling. Adults with chronic illnesses (such as heart disease or asthma) or who are pregnant are more commonly at risk. Quick hospital care saves lives. ^{[5], [7]}.

Why Early Action Matters. There's no pill to kill dengue virus. Doctors focus on:

Providing fluids (by mouth or IV) to reduce shock. Managing fever with paracetamol only (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen — they raise bleeding rates). Screening blood tests for symptoms.

At home (mild cases only):

Drink plenty of safe fluids — ORS, coconut water, clear soups. Cushion yourself in a cool, mosquito-netted room. Look for warning signs 2x daily. Never dismiss severity after fever falls — that’s the hazard zone. ^[4].

How to Prevent Dengue. Empty standing water weekly — flower pots, buckets, old tires. Use mosquito nets, repellents and long clothes (especially dawn and dusk). Use fans and use window screens. ^[8].