Tiger mosquitoes and dengue: what to know

Dengue is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The tiger mosquito is active during the day as well as around dawn and dusk, and a bite itself cannot confirm dengue. Dengue often presents with fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, or marked tiredness; some people develop nausea or a rash. These symptoms overlap with other infections, so diagnosis depends on the illness pattern and clinical assessment.

A person cannot tell from the mosquito's appearance whether it carries dengue. Covering skin, using an appropriate repellent, and removing standing water around the home can reduce exposure.

If fever follows possible mosquito exposure, rest, drink fluids, and arrange medical advice, especially if symptoms are strong or persistent. Tell the clinician about travel, outdoor exposure, fever timing, medicines, and any bleeding or bruising. Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen unless a clinician says they are appropriate, because dengue can affect bleeding risk. Use mosquito protection while unwell so mosquitoes do not bite you and potentially spread infection.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising, marked drowsiness, restlessness, breathing difficulty, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down. Warning signs can appear as fever improves, so feeling cooler does not always mean the illness is resolving. Promptly contact a GP Consultation service for significant fever after exposure or worsening symptoms.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Dengue Fever or another infection, whether testing is needed, which fever medicines are suitable, and what warning signs should prompt immediate reassessment.