What to know about dengue mosquitoes

A mosquito can acquire the dengue virus when it bites a person who has the virus in their blood. After the virus develops inside the mosquito, a later bite can pass it to another person. Dengue does not generally spread through ordinary contact such as touching, sharing food, or sitting beside someone.

Aedes mosquitoes commonly bite during daylight, although bites can occur at other times. Dengue may cause fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint aches, nausea, rash, or unusual tiredness. Some infections remain mild, while others can worsen as the fever begins to settle.

Use mosquito repellent according to its label, wear clothing that covers exposed skin, and use intact window screens or air conditioning where available. Empty standing water from buckets, plant saucers, containers, and other items around the home because Aedes mosquitoes breed in small collections of water.

If dengue is possible, rest, drink fluids regularly, and arrange clinical advice. Paracetamol may be suitable for fever or pain when used as directed, but avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen until a clinician has excluded dengue because these medicines may increase bleeding risk. Prevent further mosquito bites while unwell so mosquitoes cannot pick up the virus and pass it onward.

Seek prompt medical assessment for fever after being in an area where dengue occurs, especially with headache, rash, body aches, nausea, or unusual bruising. A clinician can assess hydration, bleeding risk, travel history, and whether testing is appropriate.

Go to urgent or emergency care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, marked drowsiness, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, cold or clammy skin, or very little urine. These warning signs can appear when fever is improving and should not be watched at home.

Ask whether your travel location and symptom timing fit dengue, which medicines to avoid, how much fluid to drink, and which changes should trigger urgent care. Also ask whether blood tests are needed and how to protect household members from mosquito exposure while you are ill.