What should you know about the dengue fever mosquito?

A mosquito can acquire the dengue virus when it bites an infected person. After the virus develops inside the mosquito, a later bite can pass it to another person. Dengue does not spread through ordinary contact such as sitting beside someone, sharing food, or touching intact skin. Daytime biting means exposure can happen in homes, workplaces, schools, and shaded outdoor areas.

A high temperature, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, or chills can occur with dengue. These symptoms can also have other causes; a symptom alone does not establish dengue. Read more about [Dengue Fever](/conditions/dengue-fever/) and related [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) symptoms.

Use an insect repellent as directed on its label, wear clothing that covers arms and legs when practical, and use screens or air conditioning where available. Sleep under a mosquito net if screening is not available. Remove standing water from containers, plant saucers, buckets, and other items around the home because Aedes mosquitoes can breed in small water collections. If you become unwell after possible exposure, arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) and mention travel or local mosquito exposure.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, marked weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, or inability to drink. Warning signs can appear as the fever improves, so feeling cooler does not always mean the illness has passed. Easy bruising or unusual bleeding should be assessed promptly; see [Easy Bruising](/symptoms/easy-bruising/) for context.

Ask whether your symptoms and exposure history fit dengue, which tests are appropriate at this stage, how to maintain fluids, and which medicines to avoid until dengue is excluded. Ask how to protect household members from further mosquito bites while you are ill.