Types of mosquito that spread dengue

Aedes mosquitoes are usually small, dark mosquitoes with pale markings on the body and legs. They tend to bite during daylight, including around dawn and late afternoon, and breed in small collections of water around homes. A mosquito can transmit dengue after acquiring the virus from an infected person; the bite itself does not prove that dengue was transmitted. Dengue infection can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, or a rash, but these symptoms overlap with other illnesses.

The mosquito's appearance cannot confirm infection. Diagnosis depends on symptoms, exposure history, examination, and tests chosen by a clinician.

Use an approved insect repellent, wear clothing that covers skin, and use screens or air conditioning where available. Empty, cover, or clean containers that hold standing water, including plant saucers and outdoor items. If you have dengue symptoms, avoid further mosquito bites during the illness so mosquitoes do not acquire the virus and spread it to others. Arrange a GP consultation for fever after travel or mosquito exposure.

Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising, blood in vomit or stool, extreme sleepiness, confusion, breathing difficulty, or fainting. Dengue can worsen as fever settles, so new warning symptoms need prompt assessment even if the temperature has improved.

Ask whether your symptoms and travel or exposure history need dengue testing, which pain medicines are suitable, how to prevent mosquito bites at home, and which warning signs require emergency care.