Dengue fever: key points for a presentation

Dengue is a viral illness spread by infected mosquitoes. A sudden fever may occur with headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills or marked tiredness. Easy bruising or bleeding needs medical attention because illness can become more serious as the fever changes. Symptoms overlap with other infections, so a clinician may use your symptoms, travel or exposure history and an examination to guide assessment.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and record how symptoms change. Use only fever relief recommended for you by a clinician or pharmacist; some medicines can increase bleeding risk. Reduce mosquito bites with long sleeves, repellent and screens, because a mosquito can acquire the virus from an infected person. Arrange a GP Consultation if dengue is possible, especially after mosquito exposure in an affected area.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, black stools, confusion, extreme weakness, breathing difficulty or inability to drink. Do not wait for a fever to remain high: warning signs can appear when it starts to settle. Easy Bruising or worsening weakness also warrants prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit dengue, which fluids and medicines are suitable, whether blood tests or follow-up are needed, and which changes should prompt emergency care.