What is Dengue Shock Syndrome

What is Dengue Shock Syndrome?
What is Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness caused by the dengue virus. Its key symptoms include sudden fever, skin rashes, joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. The disease spectrum ranges from self-limiting cases to severe manifestations like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) accompanied by dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening, especially in children under ten years old.

Dengue shock syndrome occurs when circulatory failure leads to a pulse pressure drop below 20 mm Hg in DHF. Elevated liver enzymes and tender liver may also be present. Warning signs of DSS include intense and persistent abdominal pain, lethargy, restlessness, vomiting, hypothermia, internal bleeding, sweating, and prostration. These signals precede the onset of shock, indicating the need for immediate hospitalization to prevent DSS. Early detection and prompt treatment can reduce mortality rates, but once shock occurs, the risk of death increases.

The primary factor behind dengue shock syndrome is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the virus through bites. Experts advise avoiding mosquito bites to prevent infection.