Know Dengue.
Stop the Spread.
Monsoon is Coming — Be Ready
Every year, millions are affected by dengue fever. Awareness saves lives. Learn the symptoms, understand the risks, and take action to protect your community.
A Mosquito-Borne Viral Infection
Dengue fever is a disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes also spread chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
The virus has four distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that serotype but not to others, making repeated infections possible — and often more severe.
Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries across Southeast Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the Western Pacific. Climate change and urbanization are expanding the reach of the mosquitoes that carry it.
Vector Transmission
Infected mosquito bites a human, transferring the virus through saliva during feeding.
Human Reservoir
Infected humans serve as the reservoir. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on them.
Breeding Cycle
Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. Even a bottle cap can hold enough water.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after being bitten and last for 2–7 days. Early recognition can save lives.
High Fever
Sudden onset, up to 40°C (104°F), often lasting 2–7 days
Severe Headache
Intense pain, typically behind the eyes (retro-orbital)
Joint & Muscle Pain
Severe body aches — "breakbone fever" is the colloquial name
Nausea & Vomiting
Persistent nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Skin Rash
Morbilliform rash appearing 3–5 days after fever onset
Mild Bleeding
Gum bleeding, nosebleeds, easy bruising
⚠️ Severe Dengue Warning Signs
Severe abdominal pain · Persistent vomiting · Rapid breathing ·
Bleeding gums · Fatigue · Restlessness · Blood in vomit/stool ·
Cold extremities · Drop in blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these appear.
Dengue Shock Syndrome
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) is the most severe complication of dengue fever. It occurs when plasma leaks from blood vessels, leading to shock, organ failure, and potentially death. Early intervention is critical.
The Three Phases of Dengue
Febrile Phase
High fever, headache, muscle pain, rash. Lasts 3–7 days.
Critical / Leak Phase
Fever drops, but plasma leakage begins. THIS is when DSS can develop. Watch for warning signs.
Recovery / Reabsorption Phase
Fluid reabsorbed, condition improves. Requires careful monitoring to avoid fluid overload.
How to Protect Yourself & Your Community
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Prevention is the most effective weapon. Follow the 5S approach.
Search & Destroy
Regularly check and eliminate mosquito breeding sites: flower pots, tires, buckets, roof gutters, and any stagnant water.
Self-Protection
Apply mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, use mosquito nets and screens on windows.
Seek Early Care
If fever persists beyond 2 days, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection prevents complications.
Stop Mosquito Breeding
Cover water containers, change water in vases weekly, clean gutters, and dispose of waste properly.
Community Action
Organize neighborhood clean-ups, participate in fogging drives, and spread awareness in your community.
Vaccination
The dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) is available for those with prior dengue infection. Consult your doctor.
Care & Management
While there is no specific cure, proper medical care can reduce mortality from severe dengue to less than 1%.
Hydration
Oral rehydration therapy or IV fluids are crucial to prevent dehydration caused by high fever and vomiting.
Pain Management
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is safe. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) — they increase bleeding risk.
Monitoring
Close monitoring of vital signs, platelet count, and hematocrit levels. Hospitalization for severe cases.
The Numbers Are Staggering
Dengue is one of the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.
* Statistics based on WHO reports. Actual numbers may be significantly higher due to underreporting.
Amrutha Paruthuli
1991 — 2015
This site is dedicated to my beloved wife Amrutha Paruthuli, who passed away from Dengue Shock Syndrome in 2015. She was vibrant, kind, and full of dreams. Her loss was devastating — not just to me, but to everyone who knew her.
DSS took her in a matter of days. The warning signs were missed. The knowledge wasn't there. That's why this site exists — so that no one else has to lose someone they love to dengue. Awareness saves lives.
Every life lost to dengue is someone's everything. Let's end this together.
Be Part of the Solution
Awareness is the first step. Share this site, educate your community, and take preventive action. Together, we can reduce the burden of dengue and honor the memory of those we've lost.
If you're experiencing symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional immediately.