What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Dengue fever is an infection that may begin with a high fever and marked headache. Chills, muscle aches, joint pain, tiredness, nausea and vomiting can occur. Some people develop a rash or notice easy bruising or bleeding from the nose or gums. Symptoms may change as the fever settles, so feeling slightly better does not always mean the illness has passed.

These features can overlap with other infections. A symptom does not confirm dengue, particularly when travel, mosquito exposure and local outbreaks are unknown. A clinician may use an examination and a blood test to help assess the cause and monitor your condition.

Rest and take regular fluids, especially if fever, sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea is reducing your intake. Use only medicines recommended by a clinician or pharmacist; ask before taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller if dengue is possible because bleeding risk may matter. Avoid mosquito bites while unwell by using screens, repellent and covered clothing, since mosquitoes can acquire the infection from an infected person.

Seek urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools, marked sleepiness, restlessness, breathing difficulty, cold or clammy skin, or inability to drink. Get medical advice promptly for a high fever with severe headache, rash, easy bruising or recent travel to a dengue-risk area. Tell the clinician when symptoms began and where you have travelled.

Ask whether your symptoms and travel history warrant a blood test, which pain reliever is suitable, how to maintain fluids and which warning signs should send you to emergency care.