What should you know about dengue facts?

Dengue is passed by infected mosquitoes. People may develop fever, headache, chills, muscle aches or joint pain, while easy bruising can signal a need for medical review. Symptoms vary, and another infection can look similar, so a diagnosis cannot be made from a symptom list alone.

Dengue may affect fluid balance and blood cells. The illness can change as the fever changes, which is why follow-up instructions matter even if the temperature improves. Tell a clinician about pregnancy, long-term conditions and medicines that could affect bleeding.

Seek medical advice when dengue is possible, drink fluids regularly if you can, rest and note changes in fever, vomiting, urination and alertness. Check before using aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines because they may increase bleeding risk. Prevent bites with repellent, covered skin and screens.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, nose or gum bleeding, blood in vomit or stool, faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin or markedly reduced urine. Rapid deterioration after fever begins to improve also needs assessment.

Ask whether you need a dengue test, which fluids and medicines are suitable, what follow-up is planned and which symptoms should take you to an emergency service.