What should you know about dengue loose motion?

Loose motion means passing watery or unusually soft stools. During Dengue Fever, it may occur with fever, nausea, poor appetite or body aches, but it is not specific to dengue. Food-related illness, other infections and medicines can also cause it.

The main concern is dehydration. Warning signs include thirst, dry mouth, dizziness when standing, weakness, reduced urination and difficulty keeping drinks down. Blood or black stool needs prompt assessment, especially when fever or easy bruising is also present.

Take small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Continue light foods if you can tolerate them, and avoid alcohol. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while diarrhoea continues. Do not take anti-diarrhoeal or anti-inflammatory medicines without checking with a clinician, because the right choice depends on your symptoms and bleeding risk.

Arrange a GP Consultation if loose motion continues, fever is present, you have a medical condition that increases dehydration risk, or drinking is becoming difficult.

Seek urgent care for blood in stool, black stool, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, very little urine or marked drowsiness. Prompt help is also needed if you cannot replace fluids through drinking.

Ask how to replace fluids, whether testing is needed, which medicines are safe, what foods to choose and how to recognise dehydration or dengue warning signs.