What causes dengue fever?

The mosquito acts as a carrier: it can acquire the virus when it bites an infected person and later pass the virus through another bite. Dengue does not usually spread through ordinary contact such as touching, sharing food, coughing, or sneezing.

Dengue virus infection may cause no noticeable illness or may present with sudden fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint aches, nausea, or a rash. These features overlap with other infections, so symptoms and travel history cannot identify the agent with certainty. A clinician may arrange a blood test at an appropriate point in the illness.

Aedes mosquitoes often bite during daylight hours and can breed in small collections of standing water. Preventing further bites while ill also matters because a mosquito that bites an infected person may continue the local chain of transmission.

Contact a clinician if fever or compatible symptoms develop after living in or travelling to a place where dengue occurs. Share the locations and travel dates, the day symptoms began, medicines already taken, and any change in drinking or urination. Rest, drink fluids regularly, and follow the clinician's advice about monitoring and testing.

Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen when dengue is suspected unless a clinician who knows the situation directs you to do so, because these medicines can increase bleeding risk. Ask whether paracetamol is suitable and what dose to use. Reduce mosquito bites with repellent, covering clothing, window screens, and a mosquito net when resting.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid or difficult breathing, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, unusual bruising, marked weakness, restlessness, confusion, pale or cold skin, or difficulty keeping fluids down.

Warning signs can emerge as the fever settles, so a falling temperature does not by itself show that recovery is secure. For collapse, severe breathing difficulty, reduced responsiveness, heavy bleeding, or other signs of shock, use the UAE ambulance number 998.

Ask whether your travel and symptoms fit dengue, which test may be useful now, how to maintain hydration, and which medicines to avoid. Clarify what changes require immediate reassessment and whether pregnancy, age, an existing medical condition, or a previous dengue infection affects the monitoring plan.