Dengue fever, often called “breakbone fever,” is a mosquito-borne viral illness that has become a growing health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. India, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, sees a surge in dengue cases every year. A common question people ask is: “Can you get a dengue reinfection?” The short and alarming answer is yes.
In this blog, we’ll explore the facts around dengue reinfection, how it occurs, why it’s more dangerous the second time, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four distinct serotypes:
DENV-1
DENV-2
DENV-3
DENV-4
These viruses are transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are active during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon.
Can You Get Dengue Twice?
Yes – and here’s why:
When you recover from an infection with one dengue serotype, your body builds immunity to that specific serotype only, not the others. This means:
If you’ve had DENV-1 once, you’re still vulnerable to DENV-2, DENV-3, or DENV-4.
The immunity to the other serotypes is temporary and partial, lasting only for a few months.
Reinfection is Possible and More Dangerous
Subsequent infections with different serotypes increase the risk of developing severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
Why is Dengue More Severe the Second Time?
This has to do with a phenomenon known as Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE).
What is ADE?
When you’re infected for the second time with a different dengue serotype, the antibodies produced during the first infection don’t neutralize the virus. Instead, they help it enter more immune cells, enhancing viral replication and increasing inflammation. This leads to:
More severe symptoms
Plasma leakage
Bleeding
Shock or even death
Symptoms of Dengue and Dengue Reinfection
General Dengue Symptoms (First Infection):
Sudden high fever (up to 104°F)
Severe headache, especially behind the eyes
Joint and muscle pain
Symptoms of Severe Dengue (Second Infection or Reinfection):
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Bleeding gums or nose
Blood in urine or stools
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue or restlessness
Signs of shock (cold, clammy skin, low blood pressure)
If you’ve had dengue before and begin to experience these severe symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
How Common is Dengue Reinfection?
Dengue reinfection is increasingly common, especially in areas where multiple serotypes co-circulate, such as:
India
Southeast Asia
South America
Africa
It’s estimated that a person can be infected up to four times in their lifetime, once by each serotype.
How Soon Can You Get Dengue Again?
After recovering from one serotype:
You have lifelong immunity to that specific serotype.
You have short-term cross-immunity (around 2–3 months) to other serotypes.
After that period, you become vulnerable to reinfection with a different serotype.
This means that if you had dengue last year, you can get it again this year with a higher risk of severe complications.
Diagnosis of Dengue and Reinfection
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment. Tests include:
1. NS1 Antigen Test
Detects the virus in early stages (Day 1–5)
Helpful in both first and repeat infections
2. IgM and IgG Antibody Tests
IgM appears 4–5 days after infection
IgG appears later and is higher in secondary infections
3. PCR Test (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Detects viral RNA
Helps identify the serotype
Treatment of Dengue Reinfection
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on:
Monitoring symptoms closely
Staying well hydrated
Using paracetamol for fever and pain
Avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin (as they can increase bleeding risk)
Severe dengue cases may require:
Hospitalization
IV fluids
Blood transfusions
Intensive care monitoring
How to Protect Yourself from Dengue Reinfection
Since there is no permanent immunity against all dengue serotypes, prevention is critical.
1. Mosquito Control
Eliminate stagnant water from flowerpots, buckets, tires
Use mosquito nets and screens
Keep surroundings clean and dry
2. Personal Protection
Wear full-sleeved clothing
Use mosquito repellents (DEET-based)
Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
3. Community Measures
Fogging and spraying insecticides
Community awareness programs
Government-led vector surveillance
The Role of Vaccination in Preventing Reinfection
The Dengvaxia vaccine is available in some countries and is approved for individuals aged 9–45 who have had a previous dengue infection.
Limitations of Dengvaxia:
Not effective for first-time dengue infections
Increases risk of severe dengue in dengue-naïve individuals
Not yet part of India’s national immunization program
Other vaccines are currently under trial but are not yet widely available.
Myth Busters: Dengue Reinfection
❌ Myth: Once you’ve had dengue, you’re immune for life.
✅ Fact: Only to the specific serotype; reinfection is possible and often more dangerous.
❌ Myth: Reinfection is rare.
✅ Fact: It’s increasingly common, especially in dengue-endemic areas.
❌ Myth: All dengue infections are the same.
✅ Fact: Second infections can lead to severe complications due to antibody-dependent enhancement.
Real-World Example
In Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, the post-monsoon surge in dengue cases often includes patients with a history of dengue. Many of these patients develop severe dengue due to reinfection with a different serotype, highlighting the need for public awareness, repeat testing, and early intervention.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you’ve previously had dengue and experience any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest diagnostic centre or hospital:
Bleeding from the gums or nose
Severe stomach pain
Vomiting blood
Rapid breathing
Weak pulse
Restlessness or drowsiness
Yes, you can get dengue more than once. Reinfection is not only possible but also potentially more severe due to the immune system’s complex response. With India being a dengue-endemic country, understanding the risks and recognizing the symptoms of reinfection is essential.
If you’ve already had dengue once, it’s even more important to protect yourself, your family, and your surroundings. Early diagnosis, proper care, and mosquito control remain our best defenses.
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services including NS1 antigen, IgM/IgG antibody, and PCR testing. If you suspect dengue—especially after a previous infection—don’t wait.
Get Tested. Get Treated. Stay Safe.
📍 Visit Sparsh Diagnostic Centre
📞 Call: 9830117733 / 8335049501
🕒 Mon to Sat: 7 AM – 9 PM | Sun: 7 AM – 3 PM
🌐 www.sparshdiagnostica.com
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Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
