What should you know about four types of dengue virus?

The four types are called serotypes. They share many features but are not identical, so protection after one infection may not cover the others. Dengue commonly causes sudden fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills and marked tiredness. A rash or easy bruising can also occur. Symptoms alone cannot identify the serotype; clinical assessment and testing are used when dengue is suspected.

Contact a clinician if fever follows mosquito exposure or travel in an area where dengue occurs. Rest, drink fluids, and use only fever medicine recommended for you. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically advises them, because bleeding can be a concern. Prevent mosquito bites while ill so mosquitoes do not spread the virus to others. A GP consultation can help decide whether testing and monitoring are needed.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, unusual sleepiness, restlessness, breathing difficulty, or cold clammy skin. Warning signs may appear as the fever settles, so improvement in temperature does not always mean the illness is over.

Ask whether dengue testing is appropriate, which medicines are safe, how to maintain hydration, when blood monitoring is needed, and which warning signs should take you to urgent care.