What should you know about test done for dengue?

A clinician considers fever pattern, travel or mosquito exposure, examination findings, and when symptoms began. Blood tests may look for evidence of the dengue virus or the body's response to it, and other blood measurements can help monitor the illness. The useful test can depend on the stage of illness, so a negative early result may need clinical interpretation rather than being treated as a complete answer.

Dengue fever commonly presents with fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, or a rash. Easy bruising or bleeding can be a warning sign. These symptoms can also occur with other infections, so their presence does not establish dengue by itself.

Contact a clinician if dengue is possible, particularly after travel or mosquito exposure in an area where it circulates. Give the exact fever start date, travel dates, medicines taken, fluid intake, urine output, and any bleeding or vomiting. Rest and take fluids in small, regular amounts if you can keep them down.

Do not start medicines that increase bleeding risk unless a clinician has advised them. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help decide which tests and follow-up are suitable. More information about the condition is available under [Dengue Fever](/conditions/dengue-fever/).

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, unusual sleepiness or restlessness, breathing difficulty, fainting, or inability to drink. Worsening symptoms around the time a fever settles can still be serious. Do not wait for a test result when a warning sign is present.

Ask which dengue test fits the day of illness, whether repeat testing or blood-count monitoring is needed, how much fluid to take, and which pain medicines are suitable. Confirm how to recognise dehydration, bleeding, and the point at which to return for review.