dengue shock syndrome

Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a severe complication of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness. Dengue fever itself is characterized by fever, severe joint pain, and is rarely fatal. However, a more serious form, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), can develop. DHF involves bleeding from blood vessels, leading to hemorrhaging in various tissues. If left untreated, DHF can cause blood vessel collapse, resulting in the usually fatal dengue shock syndrome.1

Dengue is caused by one of four closely related viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4) transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Infection with one dengue virus serotype provides lifelong immunity only to that specific type, leaving individuals susceptible to the other three.1

There is no specific cure for dengue; treatment focuses on symptom relief. For DHF, prompt medical attention to maintain fluid volume is crucial for survival.1