10 Signs Of Dengue Fever And What It Means

4. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

Severe dengue is called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and dates back to the 1950s. An outbreak took place in the Philippines and Thailand but is now more prominent in the countries of Asia and Latin America, where it is one of the main contributors to hospitalization and death. The symptoms of DHF are similar to dengue fever but can lead to complications like circulatory system failure, shock, and death. The accompanying fever can last from two to seven days.

3. Areas Of Risk

Widespread in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, the areas of highest risk for contracting the disease are the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, The Pacific Islands, Mexico, Africa, and Central and South America. There is a minor risk in the United States, but diagnoses were made during an outbreak in Key West, Florida, in 2009. Greater overseas travel and climate change are increasing the risk for the spread of dengue fever in North America.