Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) progresses through three phases. The phase characterised by spontaneous bleeding, thrombocytopenia <100,000/µL, and leakage of plasma into the third space with haemoconcentration is:

• A Critical (leakage) phase ✓
• B Febrile phase
• C Recovery phase
• D Convalescent phase — fluid overload risk

Explanation

The critical phase (days 3–7 of illness) is when plasma leakage, thrombocytopenia, and haemorrhagic manifestations occur in DHF. The febrile phase (days 1–3) has high fever with viremia but no significant leakage. The recovery phase involves reabsorption of leaked plasma, which can cause fluid overload or pulmonary oedema if excess IV fluids were given — making fluid management at this stage critical.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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