Cultural methods, such as removal of breeding sites, is sometimes effective, depending on the scale of urbanization. The agent causing dengue is an RNA-containing flavivirus. Four serotypes are known. Symptoms of classic dengue include fever, severe headache, joint pains, weakness, and skin rashes. Classic dengue is not fatal and rarely affects children.
Incubation requires five to eight days.
The patient is generally very ill for seven days, followed by intense weakness for many weeks. DHF causes fever, cough, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain. This persists for 2 to 4 days. Associated with the disease is increased vascular permeability and abnormal blood clotting. Extensive circulatory collapse and internal hemorrhaging may result in death.