As experts say, while a dengue infection is quite widespread and most commonly causes less-threatening symptoms, severe dengue could strike someone who has a high risk condition. In its more lethal forms, the dengue infection could turn into dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, which not only can affect adults and kids, but is quite life-threatening. Severe dengue may also occur when a person who has developed immunity to one strain of the virus becomes infected with another strain. It’s also more commonly seen in elderlies, and those with severe pre-existing problems.

Do remember, while there may be no tell-tale signs or clear diagnosis, it’s suggested that warning signs and symptoms of a severe dengue infection can show up 3-7 days following the onset of infection. It can firstly cause a confusing drop in body temperature (confusingly suggestive of the infection getting better), but cause other symptoms as well, which could be signs that the viral infection is rapidly spreading to your vital organs.

A person with severe dengue requires medical attention at the earliest. While platelet drop isn’t always the suggestive sign of requiring help with dengue, an individual who gets dengue should also be on the lookout for these early warning signs: