Dengue emerged to become a major medical problem all over the world since the 1950s. As many as 400 million people are infected every year across the globe.
Dengue emerged to become a major medical problem all over the world since the 1950s. As many as 400 million people are infected every year across the globe.
Although the disease rarely occurs in the continental United States, it is prevalent in Puerto Rico as well as other popular tourist destinations in the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 100 to 200 cases of dengue fever are reported annually in the US, mostly in people who have traveled to other parts of the world.
Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever
The signs and symptoms of dengue fever include the following:
- High fever – up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
- Severe joint pains
- Muscle aches and pains
- Severe headache
- Retro-orbital pain, or pain behind the eye
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Rashes
- General weakness
Children offer experience non-typical symptoms, including:
- Weakness
- Fever
- Prostration
- Severe muscle pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Slowed heart rate
- Maculopapular rash
- Enlarged lymph nodes
List of Alternative Diagnosis for Dengue Fever
For a dengue fever diagnosis fever diagnosis, some sources have included the following list of conditions as possible alternative diagnoses that medical professionals should consider during the diagnostic process for the disease:
- Influenza
- Malaria
- Measles
- Yellow fever
- Rubella
- Typhoid fever
- Borreliosis
- Leptospirosis
- Hemorrhagic fever
- Viral exanthem
Misdiagnosis of Dengue
In the northern or temperate parts of the world, like the United States, a diagnosis of dengue fever can be easily delayed or missed because it is rare.
Additionally, the symptoms of the illness, like body aches and fever, are very similar to symptoms of influenza. If a person suffers mild symptoms, they may be assumed to be caused by a mild case of influenza infection or even overlooked. This may not be a problem for many people who are generally healthy and might be able to recover without medical intervention.
However, as there is a risk of serious complications, like dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever, it is vital for people to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms after they have travelled to a tropical or sub-tropical area.
Even with the great strides made in the field of medicine, dengue fever is often misdiagnosed, causing serious complications and pain. Medical professionals need to make sure that they use proper diagnosis methods to accurately diagnose the disease and provide appropriate treatment. Failure to do so could mean medical negligence or malpractice, so the patient can take legal action against their healthcare provider.
The Best Law Firm in the Big Apple
If you or a loved one has suffered complications due to misdiagnosis of dengue fever, you should immediately seek the help of the medical malpractice lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. We have won millions of dollars for past clients, you too can be on this sensational list.
We know how to win cases such as this. We thrive under pressure and we blow up holes in the opposition’s case. We only take a percentage of the final verdict so really you never really pay us anything. We know a viable case when we see one.
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