What should you know about a dengue virus test?

A clinician may choose a test that detects part of the virus early in illness or one that detects the body's immune response later. Results must be read alongside symptoms, travel or residence history and the point at which fever started. A negative result does not always settle the question if testing was done at an unsuitable time.

Dengue fever may present with fever, headache, chills, joint pain or muscle aches. Easy bruising or bleeding changes the urgency of assessment, regardless of whether a result is available.

Arrange a GP Consultation and describe your symptoms in order, including fever onset, recent travel, mosquito exposure, previous dengue and current medicines. Follow the laboratory's instructions for the sample. Until dengue is excluded, drink fluids as advised and avoid aspirin or ibuprofen unless a clinician recommends them.

Do not wait for a test result if there is bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, breathing difficulty, confusion or marked sleepiness. Contact a clinician promptly for a worsening febrile illness after possible exposure, including when fever begins to settle.

Ask which test is being used, why its timing fits your symptoms, whether another sample may be needed, how results change your care, and which warning signs should send you to urgent care.