What type of illness is Dengue classified as?

Dengue is classified as a viral infection because it is caused by the dengue virus, which is a member of the Flaviviridae family. This family includes other well-known viruses such as the West Nile virus and Zika virus. The transmission of dengue occurs primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.

This viral infection manifests with various symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Understanding the classification of dengue as a viral infection is crucial, as it informs the approach to treatment and prevention. Unlike bacterial infections, which can often be treated with antibiotics, viral infections like dengue require different management strategies, mainly focused on supportive care and symptom relief.