Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Early Detection of Dengue Fever Complications

Dengue fever, a rapidly spreading viral infection from mosquitoes that live in tropical and subtropical areas, in Peru is rising as a result of extreme weather events associated with climate change. While the majority of patients are minimally symptomatic, critical illness is possible with untreated hemorrhagic shock and death occurring in approximately 50% of untreated critical dengue patients. Point-of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) is an essential mobile health tool due to its portability, affordability and utility. Ultrasound can identify abnormal collections of fluid from plasma leakage that occurs during damage of the body's vascular system by tropical viral syndromes, including dengue, hantavirus, and Ebola. Sonographic findings can rapidly stratify patients who will become critically ill. Especially in remote settings, this technology can be life saving.