Is dengue communicable?

A mosquito can acquire dengue virus when it bites an infected person. After the virus develops inside the mosquito, a later bite can transmit it to someone else. Hugging, coughing, sharing utensils, or living in the same home does not normally pass dengue directly. A person with dengue can still contribute to local spread if mosquitoes bite them, especially while virus is present in the blood. Fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, and easy bruising may occur.

If dengue is possible, use mosquito repellent, wear long clothing, and stay behind screens or under a net while unwell. Remove standing water around the home where mosquitoes can breed. Arrange a GP Consultation for advice about symptoms, testing, hydration, and suitable medicines. Household members do not usually need isolation, but preventing mosquito bites is useful.

Seek urgent care for bleeding, severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, breathing difficulty, confusion, or inability to drink. These symptoms can signal a need for close monitoring even if the illness began with an ordinary fever.

Ask how long to maintain strict mosquito protection, whether testing is appropriate, which symptoms require immediate care, and how to manage contact with children, older adults, or pregnant household members.