What should you know about dengue virus spread?

A mosquito becomes infected after biting a person who has dengue virus in their blood. After the virus develops inside the mosquito, a later bite can pass it to another person. This mosquito–person cycle explains why local clusters can occur where suitable mosquitoes and standing water are present.

Dengue is not ordinarily passed by casual contact such as sitting beside someone, sharing a meal or touching intact skin. A person with dengue may still need bite protection so mosquitoes do not acquire the virus.

Use repellent, cover exposed skin, fit screens, and sleep under a net in an unscreened room. Empty or cover water-holding containers and keep water storage sealed. If you become ill, continue bite protection and contact a GP Consultation service for advice about testing and monitoring.

Tell the clinician where you have travelled and when fever began. Fever, headache, chills, joint pain and muscle aches can occur with dengue, but symptoms alone cannot confirm the infection.

Seek urgent care if you develop bleeding, severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, breathing trouble, faintness, confusion or unusual drowsiness. Easy bruising or bleeding during a suspected illness should be assessed promptly rather than watched at home.

Ask how long to use bite precautions, whether people in your home need extra protection, which symptoms require emergency care, and whether testing is suitable at this stage of illness.