
Treatment
- No treatment: No specific antiviral agents exist for dengue.
- Supportive care is advised: Patients should be advised to stay well hydrated and to avoid aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), aspirin-containing drugs, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) because of their anticoagulant properties.
- Fever should be controlled with acetaminophen and tepid sponge baths.
- Febrile patients should avoid mosquito bites to reduce risk of further transmission.
Severe Dengue
- For those who develop severe dengue, close observation and frequent monitoring in an intensive care unit may be required.
- Prophylactic platelet transfusions in dengue patients are not beneficial and may contribute to fluid overload.
- Administration of corticosteroids has no demonstrated benefit and is potentially harmful to patients; corticosteroids should not be used except in the case of autoimmune-related complication (e.g., hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, immune thrombocytopenia purpura).
Clinician Pocket Guide
English [PDF – 1 page] | Spanish [PDF – 1 page]
Page last reviewed: May 3, 2019