Can dengue spread?

The virus circulates between people and mosquitoes. A mosquito may pick it up when feeding on an infected person and pass it on during a later bite. Ordinary contact between people is not the usual route. This means a person with dengue should focus on avoiding mosquito bites, while people nearby should use repellents and other protective measures.

Possible illness includes fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, chills, rash, or easy bruising. These symptoms can have other causes, so a health professional may use the symptom timeline and testing to assess dengue.

Apply insect repellent according to its instructions, cover exposed skin with clothing, and use window screens or a bed net when suitable. Check indoors and outdoors for containers holding stagnant water and empty them safely. If you are ill, continue bite prevention during the day as well as at night.

For symptoms after mosquito exposure, book a GP Consultation. Keep a note of your temperature, fluid intake, pain, vomiting, rash, and any bleeding so the clinician can make a clearer assessment.

Get urgent medical help if you develop severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or unusual sleepiness. Seek advice sooner if drinking is difficult or you have pregnancy, immune, bleeding, or significant medical concerns. Worsening symptoms need attention even if the initial illness seemed mild.

Ask whether your symptoms fit dengue, whether a test should be arranged, which medicines are suitable, and how long to continue bite precautions. Mention recent travel, local mosquito exposure, and anyone else at home who is unwell.