Different Types of Dengue Virus: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Apr 17, 2025
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Jul 31, 2025
Dengue (break-bone-fever): The name is enough to startle you.
Dengue virus infection is a significant health concern, affecting millions worldwide. Have you or someone in your family ever been diagnosed with dengue?
If yes, you must be well aware of the aftereffects of dengue fever caused by the dengue virus. It is a tiny structure that can only replicate inside your body’s organism.
Brief Overview
Dengue is a febrile illness which has four different types of serotypes:
- DEN-1
- DEN-2
- DEN-3
- DEN-4
The infected female mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, are responsible for allowing dengue viruses to enter the human body. Dengue belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is endemic.
Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne disease caused by four viruses that can cause dengue hemorrhage fever (DHF)/ Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Let’s discover them in detail.
4 Different Types of Dengue Virus in Detail
The four dengue virus names:
| Types of Dengue Virus | First Identified | Severity | Genetic Variability | Global Circulation |
| DENV-1 (Dengue Type 1 Virus) | 1943 (Hawaii) | It is often associated with first-line infections. It shows little to no bleeding and high fever. DENV-1 is a single-strand RNA virus that belongs to the genus Flavivirus Family. This virus type shares about 65% of its genetic material with the other serotypes. | DENV-1 genetic variability is high. It usually causes classic dengue fever. | Widespread |
| DENV-2 (Dengue Type 2 Virus) | 1944 | It is associated with more severe diseases such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) | Among four types, DENV-2 is considered highly virulent. | Widespread |
| DENV-3 (Dengue Type 3 Virus) | 1953 | It is more common in South Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. | DENV-3 causes intense symptoms and complexities when combined with previous exposure to other types. | Common |
| DENV-4 (Dengue Type 4 Virus) | 1956 | It is usually mild compared to other dengue viruses but can cause outbreaks. | DENV-4 causes mild to moderate symptoms, but complications can occur with secondary infections. | Less Common Than Others |
6 Common Symptoms Linked to Dengue
Although symptoms vary depending on the serotype and individual health, common symptoms include:
- Unexplained, sudden high fever
- Uncontrollable headaches
- Pain in the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Skin rashes
- Nausea and vomiting
Different Types of Dengue Virus: 7 Warning Signs You May Like to Know
The warning signs of dengue virus can appear 3–7 days after the onset of initial symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- Rapid breathing
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
Note: Consult your healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms appear to help diagnose the condition and initiate the treatment plan.
Different Types of Dengue Tests
If you experience symptoms, your doctor may suggest different types of dengue tests to identify the serotype and confirm a dengue infection:
- NS1 antigen test
- IgM/IgG antibody tests
- RT-PCR test
1. Complete Blood Count Test
A complete blood count (CBC) for Dengue is the first test your healthcare provider may order when he suspects you of Dengue. The test is beneficial in assessing and managing dengue infection. It tells about the platelet count which usually drops in dengue, white blood cells (WBC) are usually low, and red blood cells (RBCs) may rise, indicating plasma leakage.
2. NS1 Antigen Test
When your doctor suspects you have a dengue virus, he may suggest a dengue NS1 antigen test during the first 7 days of symptoms onset. The purpose of the test is to determine dengue infections itself (NS1 protein). A positive NS1 dengue test result confirms dengue without providing serotype information.
3. Dengue IgM and IgG antibodies Test
A healthcare professional will order dengue IgM and IgG testing after 5 days of fever onset. The test helps check for primary or secondary diagnoses of how the body’s immune system responds to dengue.
4. Liver Function Test (LFTs)
A healthcare provider may suggest a liver function test (LFT) in dengue to check liver damage. It is one of the common complications of dengue. During the LFT, a doctor checks certain enzymes and the level of protein in your blood. Higher-than-normal or lower-than-usual levels may indicate liver problems.
5. Dengue RT-PCR (in some cases)
In some cases, a doctor may suggest a dengue RT-PCR test within five days of onset of symptoms. The test is also known as the NS1 or ELISA Test whi, which confirms acute dengue virus infection. A positive RT-PCR test confirms the presence of recent dengue virus infection and a negative indicates complete absence.
Other tests that your doctor may order:
-
Coagulation Profile Test
Coagulation studies are crucial in dengue tests, guiding the most suitable therapy to manage severe hemorrhagic manifestations. A coagulation test includes prolonged thrombin (PTT) and activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (aPTT).
- PTT: Prolonged PT/PTT values indicate a defect in the coagulation cascade pathway.
- aPTT: It acts as an indicator for predicting the risk of bleeding and the severity of dengue fever.
-
Electrolytes
The study of electrolytes reveals electrolyte disturbances in dengue infection, such as hyponatremia, hypokalaemia, and hyperchloremia.
-
Ultrasound
An ultrasound test is done to check for fluid accumulation in severe dengue.
Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/fruit/best-fruits-to-eat-during-dengue-fever-for-quick-recovery/
How can you prevent different types of Dengue?
Prevention is always better than cure. There is no antiviral treatment available for different types of dengue, so focusing on personal protection and mosquito control can help:
1. Secure self-protection from mosquitoes
First of all, securing self-protection from mosquitoes is a must. This can be done by:
- Wearing long-sleeved, loose-fitted clothes.
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellant containing DEET to the exposed skin.
- Install windows and door screens
- Use mosquito nets, even during the day when you are resting.
2. Control Mosquito Breeding at Home
Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water.
- Keep the household containers covered. Also, clean storage water every 3-5 days.
- Cover unused items that collect water, such as buckets, tires, and flower pots.
- Check AC trays, bathroom buckets, and plant saucers every day.
- Use larvivorous guppy fish to control mosquito larvae in ponds or tanks.
3. Community-Level Prevention
The community can also help prevent mosquito breeding and bites.
- Advocate for dengue-prone areas.
- Clean up local environments.
- Advocate for better drainage systems and proper garbage disposal.
- Integrated mosquito management (IMM) programs.
4. Be Cautious While Traveling
If you are traveling to dengue-endemic areas, you should:
- Stay in well-screened accommodations.
- Always carry mosquito repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes that breed during the monsoon or pre-monsoon seasons.
5. Dengue Vaccination
Dengvaxia is a dengue virus injection that is available in some countries. However, there are no licensed dengue vaccinations available in India to manage all four serotypes of the virus. Hence, supportive care like fluid replacement, monitoring, and rest is key.
Conclusion
While all different types of dengue virus can cause fever, it is crucial to understand them to manage and prevent dengue infection. DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4 can increase the risk of severe complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
Regretfully, no vaccines are currently available to treat the dengue virus; therefore, early detection, supportive care, and vector control remain the most effective strategies for overcoming dengue and reducing the burden worldwide.
FAQs
1. Can I get infected with all four different types of dengue virus?
Yes, you can become infected with all four types of dengue virus, DENV-1, DENV 2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, during your lifetime.
2. Is getting second-time infected with the dengue virus more dangerous?
Yes, second-time dengue infections are more dangerous and likely to cause more severe complications, including severe abdominal pain and persistent vomiting.
3. Do all different types of dengue virus cause the same symptoms?
Yes. All different types of dengue viruses cause the same symptoms; however, some serotypes are more likely to cause severe forms of the disease.
4. Why is identifying the dengue virus crucial?
Identifying the dengue virus is crucial for disease surveillance, outbreak management, and vaccine development.
5. How many dengue viruses exist?
There are numerous dengue virus stains, but the four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus are (dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4).
6. What is the dengue test price?
The dengue test price at Redcliffe Labs is affordable. You can book a test online and get a home sample collection. The dengue test reports are typically available within given deadlines.
