Breakbone fever

Pronunciation
/BREYK-bohn FEE-ver/
Category
Disease
Singular
Breakbone fever
Plural
Breakbone fevers

Definition

A mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, characterized by severe joint and muscle pain, fever, and other flu-like symptoms.

Etymology

Named for the intense joint and muscle pain it causes, which can feel like bones are breaking.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with breakbone fever after returning from a trip to a tropical region.

Synonyms

Related Terms

  • Dengue virus
  • Aedes mosquito
  • Hemorrhagic fever
  • Vector-borne disease

Usage Notes

Breakbone fever is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Preventative measures include mosquito control and avoiding mosquito bites.