Can dengue be deadly?

Dengue may begin with Fever, Headache, chills, muscle aches or joint pain. In a smaller group of patients, the illness can affect blood vessels, fluid balance and bleeding control. Severe abdominal pain, ongoing vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising, unusual sleepiness, agitation, faintness or breathing difficulty should never be watched at home without advice. A person can look better when fever falls while the illness is entering a riskier phase. Dengue is not spread by ordinary casual contact between people.

Contact a clinician for an assessment and explain recent travel, mosquito exposure, symptom timing and any medical conditions. Drink frequent fluids if able, rest and record changes. Do not self-treat with aspirin or ibuprofen unless prescribed or approved by a clinician. Reduce mosquito bites with long clothing, screens or repellent while ill. A GP Consultation can help decide whether observation, testing or hospital assessment is needed.

Seek emergency care immediately for heavy or persistent bleeding, severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse, confusion, extreme weakness, cold clammy skin or inability to drink. Seek prompt advice as well if urine output drops noticeably. Do not wait for every symptom to appear; one serious warning sign is enough to seek help.

How will you assess the risk of severe dengue? Do I need monitoring after my fever improves? Which symptoms mean I should go straight to emergency care?