Definition of Breakbone fever
1. Noun. An infectious disease of the tropics transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by rash and aching head and joints.
Medical Definition of Breakbone fever
1.
A tropical disease caused by dengue virus (Arbovirus), that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito of the genus Aedes. Four severity grades of the illness are seen:
Grade I (fever and constitutional symptoms)
Grade II (grade I plus spontaneous bleeding of skin, gums or gastrointestinal tract)
Grade III (grade II plus agitation and circulatory failure)
Grade IV (profound shock).
Grade I infection is seen most frequently in world travelers, where it is usually self-limited and rarely fatal. The other grades are referred to as dengue haemorrhagic fever and are often fatal. Dengue haemorrhagic fever appears to be an infection by one of the other dengue viruses.
Prior immunity to a different dengue virus type appears to be important in the development of the more serious haemorrhagic form. Vaccines are available. Protection from mosquitoes is an important preventive measure.
(15 Nov 1997)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Breakbone Fever
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