What should you know about dengue fever which mosquito?

Dengue fever is mainly spread by infected female Aedes mosquitoes, which can bite during the day and around homes. A mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on a person carrying dengue virus. After the virus develops inside the mosquito, a later bite can pass the infection to another person. The bite itself may look like any other mosquito bite, so appearance alone cannot identify the mosquito or confirm dengue.

Aedes mosquitoes often live near people and lay eggs in small collections of stagnant water, such as water left in containers, plant saucers, or other outdoor items. They can enter homes and bite more than once. Dengue does not spread simply because a mosquito is present; the mosquito must be carrying the virus. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, or easy bruising, but these symptoms can have other causes.

Use insect repellent as directed on exposed skin, wear loose clothing that covers the arms and legs, and keep doors and window screens closed where possible. A bed net can add protection, especially if someone is resting during the day. Empty, cover, or clean containers that collect water around the home. If you develop a fever after possible mosquito exposure, arrange a medical assessment and mention where you have been and when symptoms began.

Contact a clinician promptly for a fever with severe headache, marked muscle or joint pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, easy bruising, severe abdominal pain, confusion, or extreme weakness. Seek urgent help if there is difficulty breathing, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for a suspected dengue illness unless a clinician advises it, because these medicines can increase bleeding risk. Paracetamol may be suitable for fever for some people, but check the label and ask a pharmacist or clinician if you are unsure.

Ask whether your symptoms and travel or residence history need dengue testing, which fluids and fever medicines are appropriate for you, and which warning signs should prompt urgent review. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, long-term conditions, and any medicines that affect bleeding.