Dengue description: symptoms, course and care

Symptoms can begin suddenly and may include chills, nausea, rash, pain behind the eyes and marked tiredness. Some people have a mild illness, while others need close medical observation because dehydration or bleeding can develop. Dengue cannot be diagnosed reliably from symptoms alone because several other infections can look similar.

A clinician may ask about mosquito exposure, travel, symptom timing and medicines, then decide whether testing or blood monitoring is appropriate. A person with dengue can also help spread infection indirectly if mosquitoes bite them while they are ill.

Rest and drink often, choosing small frequent amounts if nausea makes drinking difficult. Track urine, fever, vomiting, rash and bleeding. Paracetamol may be suitable for fever when used as directed by a clinician or the product label; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless specifically prescribed or advised. Use mosquito protection during illness and arrange a GP Consultation for assessment.

Seek urgent care for severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, easy bruising, confusion, severe drowsiness, breathing difficulty, faintness, cold clammy skin or very little urine.

Ask whether your symptoms fit dengue, which tests are appropriate, how to maintain hydration, which medicines are safe, and what follow-up is needed if the fever changes.