Dengue Fever

Overview

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It causes a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle aches, and sometimes a rash. Most people recover in a week or two, but it can be serious for some.

Yes, dengue is common in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific islands, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Anyone can get dengue, but it is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults living in affected areas. People with a weakened immune system or those who have had dengue before are at higher risk for severe illness.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain (often called 'breakbone fever')
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash (appears 2 to 5 days after fever starts)
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Symptoms in children

• In children, the illness may be mild with just a fever and rash.
• They may have little or no joint pain, but can still develop severe dengue.
• Watch for signs like easy bruising, bleeding from the nose or gums, and restlessness.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are more likely to develop severe dengue.
• They may experience dehydration and weakness more quickly.
• They should be monitored closely for warning signs like abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding.

Causes

Main causes

• Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).
• The virus enters the bloodstream and multiplies, causing the symptoms of dengue.

Risk factors

• Living in or traveling to areas where dengue is common (tropical and subtropical climates)
• Previous infection with one type of dengue virus (increases risk of severe illness if infected again with a different type)
• Weakened immune system due to other medical conditions or medications
• Being in areas with standing water where mosquitoes breed (e.g., containers, flower pots, tires)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or your child has any of the emergency warning signs listed above (severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, rapid breathing, confusion).
• If you have recently traveled to a dengue-affected area and develop a high fever with severe headache and body aches.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days and you are not feeling better.
• If you have joint pain, headache, or rash that concerns you.
• If you are unsure whether your symptoms could be dengue.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose dengue based on your symptoms, travel history, and a blood test. They will ask about where you have been and when your fever started.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test to detect the dengue virus (PCR test) – this is most accurate in the first week of illness.
• NS1 antigen test – looks for a protein made by the virus.
• Antibody tests (IgM and IgG) – check if your body has made immune proteins against the virus, which show up after a few days.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will take a small blood sample from your arm. Results may take a few hours to a few days. You may be asked to come back for follow-up tests to monitor your blood cell counts, as dengue can cause low platelets and other changes.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine or antiviral drug for dengue. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body while it fights the infection. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
• Drink lots of fluids (water, oral rehydration solutions, soups) – this is very important to prevent dehydration.
• Use a fever reducer that your doctor recommends (avoid medicines that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen).
• Take a cool cloth or sponge bath to lower fever (do not use ice water).
• Monitor for warning signs of severe dengue, especially in children and older adults.

Medical treatments

If dengue becomes severe, hospital care is needed. Treatment may include intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration, monitoring of blood pressure and oxygen levels, and blood transfusions if there is significant bleeding. Pain relief and fever management are provided using medicines that are safe for dengue.

Living with this condition

During recovery, you may feel very tired and weak. It is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people feel better within a week, but fatigue can last longer. Avoid activities that could cause injury or bleeding.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay in a mosquito-free environment or use mosquito nets to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Apply insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants if you go outside.
• Avoid sharing towels or personal items if you have a rash or bleeding.

Diet and exercise

Eat light, easy-to-digest foods like porridge, rice, bananas, and broth. Avoid spicy or oily foods. Gentle movement like walking is fine once you feel up to it, but do not push yourself. Return to normal exercise gradually after full recovery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with a high fever and body pain can be stressful and frightening, especially if you are worried about severe disease. It is normal to feel anxious or down. Talk to family or friends about how you are feeling. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, speak with your doctor or a mental health professional.

Prevention

Yes, the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in places with screens or air conditioning. Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine for dengue (Dengvaxia) that is approved for use in some countries. However, it is only recommended for people who have had a prior dengue infection, as it can increase the risk of severe disease in those who have never had dengue. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if the vaccine is appropriate for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for dengue in people without symptoms. In some travel clinics, a blood test might be offered if you have been in an outbreak area, but this is not standard.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) – the blood vessels become leaky, causing bleeding and shock.
• Dengue shock syndrome – a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can lead to organ failure and death.
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) – increases risk of serious bleeding.
• In pregnant women, dengue can increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

Long-term outlook

Most people with dengue recover fully within one to two weeks. Even in severe cases, with prompt medical care in a hospital, the outlook is good and most people survive. Treatment is supportive, and the body usually clears the virus on its own. The key is to recognize warning signs early and get medical help right away.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Dengue ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Dengue ↗
• National Health Service (NHS) – Dengue ↗

Local organisations

• NHS 111 (UK) ↗ · UK
• Healthline (New Zealand) ↗ · New Zealand
• Canada – Travel Health Notices ↗ · Canada

Helplines

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