What to know about a dengue mosquito bite

Many mosquito bites cause only a local itchy bump. A bite from an infected mosquito can transmit dengue, but the bite itself cannot establish the diagnosis. Dengue Fever commonly presents with fever and may include headache, chills, muscle aches and joint pain. Easy bruising or bleeding needs particular attention. Symptoms can appear after an interval, so remember when and where the bite occurred and watch how you feel over the following days.

Gently clean the skin and avoid scratching. Use fluids and rest if you become unwell, and check with a clinician before taking medicines for pain or fever because some products can increase bleeding risk. Do not rely on the appearance of the bite to rule dengue in or out. Use mosquito protection while ill so mosquitoes are less likely to carry infection onward. Arrange a GP Consultation if fever or a cluster of symptoms develops, especially after travel or local mosquito exposure.

Get urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, marked drowsiness, breathing difficulty, faintness or worsening weakness. A person can become more unwell as fever changes, so improvement in temperature alone does not settle the risk. Seek advice sooner for a child, pregnancy, older age or significant long-term illness.

Ask whether testing is appropriate, which fever medicines are suitable, how much fluid to take and which warning signs require immediate review. Mention travel, mosquito exposure, current medicines and any bleeding or bruising.