Dengue Symptoms and Treatments in Singapore

Dengue fever cases in Singapore are expected to hit a high in the months to come. Dengue can be dangerous, and if you suspect if might have dengue, you should seek medical attention immediate. These are the signs and symptoms of dengue that you should watch out for.

Dengue Signs and Symptoms

You may have dengue if you have a high fever (40°C) with some of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache with pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pains
• Nausea, vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Skin rash

Symptoms of Severe Dengue

About 3-7 days after the onset of illness, a person infected with dengue may show signs of severe dengue. At this time, the fever recedes (below 38°C), but the patient may experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Bleeding gums
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Blood in vomit

Dengue Fever Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for dengue or for dengue haemorrhagic fever. Treatment for dengue is only for its symptoms. Severe dengue is potentially fatal due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. Hence, for severe dengue cases patients need to be hospitalised with emergency treatment with fluid and electrolyte replacement. Blood transfusions may also be required. However, the risk of death from dengue complications is actually very low if treated early, and most cases do not require hospitalisation.

If you think you might have dengue, seek medical attention at private clinics, polyclinics, and hospitals. Clinics at hospital A&E departments, such as Mount Elizabeth Hospital, are open 24 hours a day, so medical attention need not be delayed.