What should you know about dengue epidemic?

Dengue spreads when infected mosquitoes bite people and then bite others. During an outbreak, exposure may be more likely in affected areas, but fever alone does not confirm dengue. Symptoms can include headache, chills, muscle aches, joint pain and easy bruising.

Community transmission does not predict how severe one person's illness will become. Local health authorities may provide advice about travel, mosquito control or testing. A clinician uses your symptoms, exposure history and examination to decide what care is needed.

If you develop fever after possible exposure, contact a healthcare service and mention where you have been. Rest, maintain fluids and follow testing or follow-up instructions. While unwell, use repellent, wear clothing that covers skin and keep doors, windows or sleeping areas screened where possible.

Remove standing water around the home, including water held in containers, plant trays or other items. Do not share medication decisions based only on a neighbour's experience; symptoms and medical history differ.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin, very little urine or rapidly worsening weakness. These warning signs matter during an outbreak just as they do outside one.

Ask whether your symptoms fit dengue, whether testing is needed, how long to monitor yourself, which medicines to avoid and how to protect people at home from mosquito bites.