Which mosquito spreads dengue?

Aedes mosquitoes can bite during daylight as well as around dawn and dusk. A person becomes infected when a mosquito carrying the dengue virus feeds on them. The mosquito acquired the virus after feeding on an infected person, so preventing bites helps interrupt this cycle.

Dengue is not normally passed directly from one person to another through ordinary touch, sharing food, coughing, or being in the same room. A bite is the usual route of transmission. After exposure, symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, or easy bruising. These symptoms can have other causes, so they do not confirm dengue on their own.

Use the information on [Dengue Fever](/conditions/dengue-fever/) to understand the illness and its symptom pattern.

Reduce bites by using an appropriate insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers the skin, and using screens or nets where practical. Remove standing water from containers around the home because it can provide a place for mosquitoes to breed. If you develop a fever after living in or visiting an area where dengue occurs, arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) and mention the travel or residence history.

While unwell, rest and drink fluids if you can. Do not start medicines for pain or fever without checking which options are suitable, because some medicines can increase bleeding risk when dengue is possible.

Seek urgent medical help for severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, marked weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, or inability to keep fluids down. Warning signs can appear as the fever improves, so feeling cooler does not always mean the illness has passed.

For milder symptoms, contact a clinician promptly if fever persists, symptoms are worsening, or you have a condition or medicine that raises bleeding risk. Keep away from mosquito bites while ill so another mosquito cannot acquire the virus and spread it onward.

Ask whether your symptoms and recent travel make dengue testing appropriate, which fluids and medicines are suitable, and which warning signs should prompt emergency care. You can also ask how to protect household members from mosquito bites during your illness.