Answer:

"Breakbone fever" is another name for dengue fever, derived from one of its most distinctive symptoms.

In addition to the sudden high fever, fatigue, rash, and mucosal bleeding, many dengue patients experience intense, deep muscle and joint pain, particularly in the spine, collarbone, arms, and legs, so severe it feels like their bones are breaking. This pain results from the immune system releasing inflammatory chemicals like cytokines to fight the virus, causing high fever and deep, radiating aches in muscles, joints, and bones.

Between days 3 and 7 of the illness, after the fever and initial pain subside, patients enter a critical phase. They may experience profound fatigue, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or a rash.

The most severe complication is dengue shock syndrome. This involves a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to circulatory failure, which can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention.

Dengue fever, also known as "breakbone fever," causes sufferers severe bone and joint pain. Illustration: Vecteezy

Dengue fever, also known as "breakbone fever," causes sufferers severe bone and joint pain. Illustration: Vecteezy

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of early June, over 3 million cases and more than 1,400 deaths have been reported in 90 countries. Vietnam has recorded over 32,000 dengue cases and at least 10 deaths in the first half of this year.

Prevention measures include sleeping under mosquito nets even during the day, wearing long-sleeved clothing, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds by clearing bushes and maintaining a clean environment, covering water storage containers, and introducing fish into water sources to control mosquito larvae.

Vietnam now offers the Qdenga dengue vaccine, developed in Japan, for children aged 4 and above and adults. The vaccine is over 80% effective in preventing dengue and over 90% effective in preventing hospitalization. The vaccination schedule involves two doses administered three months apart, with no pre-vaccination testing required. Women are advised to receive the vaccine at least one month, and ideally three months, before pregnancy.

Dr. Nguyen Cong Luan

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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