Which mosquito spreads dengue?

Aedes mosquitoes often live close to people and can breed in small containers that hold still water. They may bite during daylight, so nighttime precautions alone are not enough. The mosquito does not carry dengue simply because it belongs to the Aedes group; it must first acquire the virus from an infected person.

Dengue fever can include headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills and fever. Easy bruising or bleeding is more concerning and should prompt medical advice rather than a guess about the insect involved.

Apply repellent according to its instructions, cover arms and legs with clothing, and use screens or indoor cooling when available. Inspect buckets, plant saucers, toys, roof gutters and other objects for standing water; empty, scrub, cover or remove them. Ask building management or local services about shared water sources that cannot be handled safely at home.

Speak with a clinician if fever develops after likely mosquito exposure, particularly alongside headache, severe body pain, vomiting or rash. Obtain urgent care for bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty or unusual sleepiness. Mention travel and the timing of fever to support assessment.

Ask whether testing is needed, how to relieve fever safely, which repellent is appropriate for your household, and what changes would mean you should return for urgent assessment.