What should you know about mosquito responsible for dengue?

Dengue is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person. Illness may begin with fever, chills, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint or muscle aches and marked tiredness. Easy bruising or other bleeding can occur and needs medical attention. Symptoms can resemble other infections, so a diagnosis depends on the full history, examination and sometimes testing rather than on a mosquito bite alone.

Rest and drink fluids in small, frequent amounts. Ask a clinician or pharmacist which medicine is safe for fever or pain; avoid self-starting aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines when dengue is possible because they may increase bleeding risk. Prevent more bites with repellent, long clothing, screens and bed nets, especially while feverish. Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms follow travel or mosquito exposure.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising that is increasing, black stools, breathing difficulty, faintness, confusion, extreme sleepiness or inability to drink. Symptoms can worsen as fever changes, so do not wait for a rash or a particular temperature before asking for help.

Ask whether dengue fits your symptoms, whether testing is needed, which pain medicine to use, how to maintain fluids and what warning signs to watch for. Share travel dates, mosquito exposure, bleeding symptoms and all medicines or supplements.