exist 3 exams that detect dengue: NS1, PCR it's the IgM serology test. The application of these tests to diagnose dengue depends on when the symptoms started and how much later the person sought medical attention.
If the patient seeks care in the first 5 days after the onset of symptoms, O accurate diagnosis of dengue can be done through the exams:
- NS1: It is used to identify the NS1 protein of the dengue virus present in the blood and can detect up to 80% of the cases of the disease;
- PCR: This test is able to detect the genetic material of the dengue virus and has an even greater efficacy of 90%.
If the symptoms have more than 5 days, it is necessary to make a serology test. The purpose of this examination is to IgM antibody produced by the immune system to combat the dengue virus.
Is the diagnosis of dengue always done with these tests?
In epidemic situation, specific tests to diagnose dengue can be overlooked.
The examination is usually only done in places that are not in an epidemic situation or are in the beginning of a mosquito infestation, to guide the fight against the insect.
In places where there is already an epidemic, diagnosis it is often clinical-epidemiological, being made through:
- Observation of symptoms:
- Fever, usually around 40ºC, lasting between 4 and 7 days;
- Severe headache, which also feels behind the eyes;
- Red spots on the body;
- Indisposition;
- Muscle aches;
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood test to check platelet levels (people with dengue usually have lower platelet counts than normal - read also: Does the amount of platelets change in the case of dengue?);
- Whether the patient's place of residence is an endemic region of dengue or whether it was in any of these regions.
The big difficulty in diagnosing to dengue is in the similarity of its symptoms with those of other common diseases like the flu, viruses or even some bacterial infections.
In case of suspected dengue, seek medical attention urgently and do not take any medication without the advice of a doctor.
