What should you know about dengue repellent?

Repellent makes skin less attractive to biting mosquitoes when applied as directed. It does not treat dengue, remove infection, or replace screens, covered windows, and long sleeves. Follow the product label, keep it away from eyes and mouth, and wash treated skin when protection is no longer needed. Children need age-appropriate products and supervision from an adult.

Apply repellent to exposed skin according to its instructions and reapply when the label says to do so, especially after washing or heavy sweating. Wear loose clothing that covers arms and legs, use screens or air conditioning where available, and empty standing water around the home. If someone is unwell, preventing further mosquito bites also helps reduce the chance that mosquitoes pick up and spread the virus.

Seek prompt medical advice for fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, marked muscle or joint pain, chills, or unusual bruising. Urgent assessment is needed for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, confusion, faintness, or difficulty breathing. A GP consultation can help decide whether testing and monitoring are appropriate.

Ask which repellent is suitable for your age, pregnancy, skin sensitivity, or medicines; how often it should be reapplied; and which symptoms should prompt testing or urgent review.