Question 1

What is Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)?

Accepted Answer

Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) is a life-threatening complication of dengue fever characterized by circulatory collapse, severe plasma leakage, and shock. It is caused by a secondary infection with a different strain of the dengue virus, triggering an excessive immune response that damages blood vessels. The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for identifying previous dengue infections that increase DSS risk.

Question 2

What causes Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Dengue Shock Syndrome is caused by a secondary infection with a different strain of the dengue virus in people who have previously been infected with another strain. The dengue virus has four distinct strains (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), and while infection with one provides lifelong immunity to that specific strain, it actually increases the risk of severe complications during subsequent infections with different strains. When your immune system encounters a second dengue strain, it launches an excessive immune response called antibody-dependent enhancement, which damages blood vessels, causes severe plasma leakage, and leads to circulatory collapse and shock.

Question 3

What is the best test for Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for assessing Dengue Shock Syndrome risk because it identifies whether you have been previously exposed to dengue virus. High levels of IgG antibodies indicate a previous dengue infection, which significantly increases your risk of developing DSS during a secondary infection with a different strain. The test also measures IgM antibodies, which indicate a current or recent infection. This combination helps healthcare providers determine if you are experiencing a dangerous secondary infection that could progress to DSS. While DSS itself is diagnosed through clinical observation of shock symptoms, this antibody test is essential for identifying high-risk patients who need intensive monitoring.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been diagnosed with dengue fever before and are experiencing new symptoms like high fever, severe headache, or joint pain, especially if you live in or recently traveled to dengue-endemic areas. Testing is also important if you have current dengue symptoms and a history of previous dengue infection, as this puts you at higher risk for DSS. Get immediate medical attention and testing if you develop warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, rapid breathing, cold or clammy skin, or signs of shock, as DSS can develop rapidly and requires emergency treatment.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Dengue Shock Syndrome symptoms include signs of circulatory failure such as cold, clammy skin, weak and rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and restlessness or confusion. You might notice severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stools, and difficulty breathing. DSS typically develops 3-7 days after dengue fever symptoms begin, during the critical phase when fever subsides but plasma leakage worsens. Other warning signs include extreme fatigue, pale skin, decreased urination, and altered mental status. DSS is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization and intensive care to prevent organ failure and death.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

People who have previously been infected with one strain of dengue virus are at highest risk for DSS during a secondary infection with a different strain. Children and young adults in dengue-endemic regions face greater risk due to higher rates of secondary infections. Additional risk factors include severe dengue fever symptoms, underlying health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and delayed medical treatment. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems also have increased risk. Geographic risk is highest in tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Africa where multiple dengue strains circulate.

Question 7

What happens if Dengue Shock Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Dengue Shock Syndrome rapidly progresses to multiple organ failure and death, often within hours. The severe plasma leakage causes blood pressure to drop dangerously low, depriving vital organs of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to kidney failure, liver damage, heart complications, and brain injury. Internal bleeding can become uncontrolled, and respiratory failure may develop. Without immediate fluid resuscitation and intensive medical care, the mortality rate for DSS can exceed 50%. Even with prompt treatment, DSS carries a mortality risk of 1-5%, making it one of the most dangerous complications of dengue fever. Survivors may experience prolonged recovery periods and, in severe cases, lasting organ damage.

Question 8

Can Dengue Shock Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Dengue Shock Syndrome itself is diagnosed clinically through physical examination and observation of shock symptoms like low blood pressure and circulatory failure. However, blood tests play a critical role in identifying patients at high risk for DSS and monitoring disease progression. The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) test determines if you have had a previous dengue infection, which is the primary risk factor for developing DSS. Additional blood tests like complete blood count show low platelet counts and elevated hematocrit from plasma leakage, while liver function tests may reveal organ damage. These blood tests help healthcare providers identify warning signs early and provide intensive monitoring to prevent progression to full shock.

Question 9

How is Dengue Shock Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Dengue Shock Syndrome requires immediate hospitalization in an intensive care unit with aggressive fluid resuscitation using intravenous crystalloid solutions to restore blood volume and stabilize blood pressure. Healthcare providers carefully monitor vital signs, oxygen levels, and organ function while adjusting fluid administration to prevent both inadequate resuscitation and fluid overload. Blood transfusions may be necessary for severe bleeding or critically low platelet counts. Oxygen therapy supports breathing, and medications help maintain blood pressure in severe cases. There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, so care focuses on supporting the body through the critical phase until plasma leakage resolves. Close monitoring of electrolytes, blood counts, and organ function continues throughout treatment, with most patients requiring 3-7 days of intensive care.

Question 10

How can I prevent Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Preventing Dengue Shock Syndrome starts with avoiding dengue virus infection by protecting yourself from mosquito bites using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using mosquito nets. Eliminate standing water around your home where Aedes mosquitoes breed, including flower pots, buckets, and old tires. If you have had dengue fever before, be especially vigilant about mosquito protection and seek immediate medical care if you develop fever or dengue symptoms again, as secondary infections carry the highest DSS risk. Consider the dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) if you live in an endemic area and have documented previous dengue infection. Early recognition and treatment of dengue fever with proper hydration and medical monitoring can help prevent progression to DSS.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Dengue Shock Syndrome is a life-threatening medical emergency that cannot be treated at home and requires immediate hospitalization in an intensive care unit. If you suspect DSS based on warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, cold skin, rapid breathing, or signs of shock, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt home treatment, as DSS can progress to fatal complications within hours without proper medical intervention. For mild dengue fever before it progresses to DSS, you can rest at home while monitoring for warning signs, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, take acetaminophen for fever (avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they increase bleeding risk), and seek medical evaluation if symptoms worsen. However, any signs of severe dengue or shock require emergency medical care.

Question 12

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Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Dengue Shock Syndrome Blood Test

What is Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)?

What causes Dengue Shock Syndrome?

What is the best test for Dengue Shock Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Dengue Shock Syndrome?

References

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