Dengue fever
- Pronunciation
- /DEN-gee FEE-vur/
- Category
- Disease
- Singular
- Dengue fever
- Plural
- Dengue fevers
Definition
A mosquito-borne viral disease causing high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Etymology
From the Swahili phrase 'ki denga pepo,' meaning 'sudden cramp-like seizure by an evil spirit'.
Example
Outbreaks of Dengue fever are common in tropical and subtropical regions where Aedes mosquitoes thrive.
Synonyms
- Breakbone fever
- Dandy fever
Related Terms
- Aedes mosquito
- Flavivirus
- Hemorrhagic fever
- Vector-borne disease
Usage Notes
Preventive measures include mosquito control and the use of insect repellent; prompt medical attention is essential if symptoms appear.