Dengue Fever, Chikungunya, and Malaria Flashcards
Dengue Fever
Leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. Endemic in many popular tourist areas.
Early recognition and prompt supportive treatment lowers risk of complications and death.
Dengue Fever Symptoms, Treatment, Lab results
High fever plus at least two of the following:
Severe headache, severe eye pain, joint pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, mild bleeding, low WBC
Fever declines 3-7 days after symptoms began
Warning signs develop when fever declines.
Warning signs- go to ED immediately.
-Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, bleeding from nose/gums, black tarry stools, drowsiness, irritability, pale, cold clammy skin, difficulty breathing, red spots, patches on skin.
Capillaries become excessively permeable and leak into peritoneum and pleural cavity which leads to circulatory system failure, shock, and death.
Usually Low platelets and hemorrhagic manifestations.
Treatment is supportive in nature, Tylenol for Pain/fever, IV fluids
Chikungunya
Symptoms usually 3-7 days after mosquito bite
Fever, joint pain, headache, myalgia, joint swelling, rash
Does not result in death, symptoms can be debilitating.
Most patients better within 1 week, but joint pain can persist for months.
Most severe disease is seen in newborns and >65, chronic medical conditions.
Treatment- supportive, no ASA or NSAIDs
During first week of infection can be transmitted to other mosquitos via a bite and then transmitted to other humans.
Malaria
Spread through mosquito bites. Generally found in African, Central/South America, Part of the Caribbean, Asia, Eastern Europe, & South Pacific. Higher risk for those sleeping outside.
Malaria Symptoms
High fevers, shaking chills, flu-like illness
Malaria Measures
Preventative- check CDC travel website, different prophylaxis for different geographic areas d/t resistance. Prevention is key.
Treatment- Call CDC Malaria Hotline
Diagnosis- confirm with blood smear or PCR
