Dengue Fever Treatment: Managing a Global Health Threat

April 2025 — With dengue fever outbreaks on the rise in tropical and subtropical regions, healthcare systems worldwide are focusing on effective treatment and public awareness to curb the virus’s growing impact. Although there is no specific antiviral cure, supportive care and timely intervention have proven critical in reducing severe cases and mortality rates.

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four distinct serotypes. Transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue affects an estimated 390 million people annually, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.

Symptoms of Dengue

The illness typically begins 4–10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden high fever

  • Severe headaches

  • Pain behind the eyes

  • Joint and muscle pain (“breakbone fever”)

  • Skin rash

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Fatigue

In severe cases, dengue can develop into Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Current Treatment Approach

There is no specific antiviral drug to treat dengue. The cornerstone of management is supportive care, which focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.

1. Hydration Is Critical

  • Oral rehydration is essential to prevent dehydration caused by fever and vomiting.

  • In severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluid replacement may be needed to stabilize blood pressure and maintain circulation.

2. Fever and Pain Management

  • Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is recommended for reducing fever and relieving pain.

  • Aspirin and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) should be avoided as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

3. Monitoring for Warning Signs

Patients must be closely monitored for:

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Persistent vomiting

  • Bleeding (gums, nose, or under the skin)

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue or irritability

These may signal the onset of severe dengue, which requires hospital admission and intensive care.

Hospitalization and Severe Cases

Patients with severe dengue may require:

  • Platelet and blood transfusions if bleeding becomes critical

  • Oxygen therapy or ventilator support for respiratory distress

  • Close monitoring in ICU settings to manage shock and organ dysfunction

Advances and Research in Dengue Treatment

While no cure exists, research into antiviral drugs is ongoing. Some promising areas of development include:

  • Host-targeting therapies to block virus replication

  • Monoclonal antibodies designed to neutralize dengue virus

  • RNA interference (RNAi) strategies that shut down viral gene expression

Several clinical trials are currently exploring novel compounds, but none have yet reached widespread use.

Dengue Vaccine: A Preventive Step

The Dengvaxia® vaccine has been approved in several countries but is only recommended for individuals previously infected with dengue, as it may increase the risk of severe disease in dengue-naïve individuals. Other vaccines, like Takeda’s QDENGA, have also been approved in some regions and offer broader protection.

Final Thought

While dengue fever cannot yet be cured, early diagnosis, adequate hydration, and careful monitoring can significantly improve outcomes. Public health efforts must continue to emphasize mosquito control, community education, and accessible treatment to reduce the burden of this increasingly global disease.