If a dengue mosquito bites you, what should you do?

A bite alone cannot tell you whether the mosquito carried dengue, and many bites do not lead to illness. Dengue Fever may begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain. Chills can occur with a fever. Symptoms can overlap with other infections, so an assessment may be needed rather than relying on the appearance of the bite or on symptoms alone.

Wash the area gently and avoid scratching. Rest, drink fluids, and check your temperature if you feel unwell. Use mosquito repellent, wear clothing that covers skin, and use screens or a bed net so mosquitoes cannot bite you and then spread infection to someone else. If fever or aches develop, contact a clinician or arrange a GP Consultation. Ask which pain-relief medicine is appropriate, because some medicines can increase bleeding risk when dengue is possible. Do not share medication based on a neighbour’s advice.

Get urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, marked weakness, breathing difficulty, confusion, or fainting. Easy Bruising or worsening illness also warrants prompt assessment. Dengue can become more serious as fever settles, so do not assume that a lower temperature means the danger has passed.

Tell the clinician when and where the bite occurred, when symptoms began, any travel or local exposure, and every medicine you have taken. Ask whether testing is appropriate, how to maintain fluids, and which warning signs should trigger immediate review.