Which presentation is characteristic of dengue fever?

• A. Continuous fever with no rash
• B. Biphasic fever with break bone pain and a maculopapular rash; tourniquet test may be positive
• C. Low-grade fever and lymphadenopathy
• D. Asymptomatic carriage only

Answer: (B)

Dengue fever typically presents as an abrupt, high fever accompanied by intense muscle and bone pain, a hallmark often described as “breakbone” fever. A maculopapular rash commonly appears after a few days of fever, and the tourniquet test can be positive, reflecting capillary fragility seen with dengue-related thrombocytopenia. This combination of sudden high fever, severe musculoskeletal pain, and a rash—with a supportive tourniquet test—best fits dengue. Other patterns, such as continuous fever with no rash or asymptomatic carriage, do not align with the classic dengue presentation.