Which mosquito causes dengue?

A mosquito becomes infected after biting a person who has dengue virus in their blood. It can then pass the virus to another person during a later bite. Dengue does not normally spread through casual contact such as sharing food, touching, or sitting near someone. After a bite, symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, or unusual bruising. These symptoms can also occur with other illnesses, so they do not confirm dengue by themselves.

Avoid further mosquito bites while you are unwell by using repellent, wearing clothing that covers the skin, and resting in a screened or protected room. Drink fluids regularly if you can. Arrange a GP Consultation if fever or body aches raise concern about dengue, particularly after travel or mosquito exposure in an area where dengue occurs. A clinician can decide whether testing and monitoring are appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, marked drowsiness, breathing difficulty, faintness, or inability to drink. Warning signs can become noticeable as fever settles, so a change in temperature does not by itself mean the illness is resolving.

Ask whether your symptoms and recent mosquito exposure fit dengue, whether testing is needed, which medicines are suitable, and what changes should prompt urgent review.