What should you know about dengue fever and chikungunya virus?

Both illnesses are spread by infected mosquitoes and may begin with sudden fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and joint pain. Chikungunya is often marked by prominent joint pain and swelling, which may continue after the fever. Dengue can also cause strong body pain, nausea, rash and easy bruising or bleeding. The symptoms overlap too much for a person to identify the virus reliably at home, and both can occur after travel or local mosquito exposure.

Rest, drink fluids and note when the fever, pain, rash or bleeding began. Use mosquito repellent, long sleeves and screens while unwell. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen until a clinician has considered dengue, as these medicines can increase bleeding risk. Arrange a GP Consultation for examination and advice about testing, especially if symptoms are intense, worsening or follow a recent trip.

Seek urgent care for bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, breathing trouble, faintness, confusion, marked weakness or very little urine. A fever that settles does not rule out danger in dengue. Persistent joint swelling, difficulty walking, dehydration or worsening symptoms also merits prompt review.

Ask whether your symptom pattern fits dengue, chikungunya or another infection, whether testing is needed, which pain medicine is safe, and how long to avoid mosquito exposure.