Which presentation is characteristic of dengue fever?

Which presentation is characteristic of dengue fever?

• A. Continuous fever with no rash
• B. Biphasic fever with break bone pain and a maculopapular rash; tourniquet test may be positive
• C. Low-grade fever and lymphadenopathy
• D. Asymptomatic carriage only

Answer: (B)

Dengue fever typically presents as an abrupt, high fever accompanied by intense muscle and bone pain, a hallmark often described as “breakbone” fever. A maculopapular rash commonly appears after a few days of fever, and the tourniquet test can be positive, reflecting capillary fragility seen with dengue-related thrombocytopenia. This combination of sudden high fever, severe musculoskeletal pain, and a rash—with a supportive tourniquet test—best fits dengue. Other patterns, such as continuous fever with no rash or asymptomatic carriage, do not align with the classic dengue presentation.

Dengue fever typically presents as an abrupt, high fever accompanied by intense muscle and bone pain, a hallmark often described as “breakbone” fever. A maculopapular rash commonly appears after a few days of fever, and the tourniquet test can be positive, reflecting capillary fragility seen with dengue-related thrombocytopenia. This combination of sudden high fever, severe musculoskeletal pain, and a rash—with a supportive tourniquet test—best fits dengue. Other patterns, such as continuous fever with no rash or asymptomatic carriage, do not align with the classic dengue presentation.