Dengue
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Many infections are mild or have no symptoms, but some become severe. Having had dengue before does not prevent every future infection, and a later infection can carry a higher risk of severe disease. Risk also exists in towns and cities.
Prevention: Mixed
Symptoms
- Fever with headache, often including pain behind the eyes
- Muscle or joint pain and a rash
- Warning signs include severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting or bleeding
- Warning signs can develop as the fever goes down
Transmission
- Bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, which often bite during the day
- Rarely, transmission through infected blood or around childbirth
Prevention
Avoid mosquito bites with repellent, covering clothing and screened accommodation. Continue bite precautions when ill to reduce onward spread through mosquitoes. Vaccine suitability varies with personal history and local recommendations; seek individual advice.
Diagnosis and care
Seek urgent care for warning signs, marked drowsiness or worsening illness. Treatment focuses on careful fluid replacement and monitoring. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen when dengue is suspected because they can increase bleeding risk.
Source
- Dengue
Based on CDC information
Source language: English
Source reviewed: April 23, 2025
Source accessed: May 17, 2026
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