Dengue fever is a severe flu-like illness which can last more than 2 weeks. Common symptoms are high fever (40ºC), severe headache, muscle and joint pains and vomiting. In most cases the disease is not fatal, but like influenza it can lead to extended periods of hospitalisation and rehabilitation. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), a related viral infection, is much more dangerous and can result in internal bleeding and death.
Immunisation against the dengue virus is not available, but a person who has recovered from a viral attack has a lifetime immunity to that particular viral strain. There are no drugs to combat the virus and treatment is restricted to the use of paracetamol to reduce pain, rehydration therapy and blood transfusions.
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