What should you know about cases of dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It commonly presents with fever, headache, muscle aches and joint pain; chills, nausea or a skin rash may also occur. Some people develop easy bruising or bleeding. These symptoms overlap with other infections, so a fever pattern and examination do not prove dengue. A clinician may use the timing of symptoms, travel or mosquito exposure and blood testing to guide care.

Arrange a GP Consultation or other medical assessment, especially after travel to an area where dengue occurs. Rest, drink fluids regularly and record temperature, urine output and any bleeding. Use only medicines recommended by a clinician or pharmacist; some pain medicines can increase bleeding risk. Reduce mosquito bites around the sick person so mosquitoes are less likely to carry infection onward.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, black stools, easy bruising that is increasing, breathing difficulty, confusion, extreme sleepiness, fainting or inability to drink. Warning signs can appear as fever settles, so feeling cooler does not by itself mean the danger has passed. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, childhood, older age or other health conditions.

Ask which tests are suitable now, which medicines are safe, how much fluid to take, what symptoms require an emergency visit and how long mosquito precautions should continue.