Febrile Illness in a Young Traveler: Dengue Fever and its Complications

Background Dengue fever, a tropical disease once confined mostly to endemic areas in developing countries, is becoming more prevalent. Globalization has led to an increased incidence of the virus both in foreign travelers returning home and local outbreaks in traditionally nonendemic areas, such as the southern United States and southern Europe. Advances in diagnostic tests, therapies, and vaccines for dengue virus have been limited, but research is ongoing. Objectives To review the current literature regarding the diagnosis and management of dengue fever. Case Report This case report describes a young woman returning from Central America with many of the common signs and symptoms who was misdiagnosed both abroad and at home. We explore the epidemiology, disease course, complications, and treatment of dengue fever. Conclusion Emergency physicians should consider dengue fever in patients with acute febrile illnesses, especially among those with recent travel.