Overview
Dengue is a viral infection spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes and is common across tropical and subtropical regions, making it one of the most frequent causes of fever in returning travellers. Most cases feel like a bad flu with intense body pain, but a small number progress to dangerous bleeding or shock. A blood test confirms it and helps separate it from other travel-related fevers.
Symptoms
- High fever
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Intense muscle, bone and joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash
- Tiredness lasting weeks
- Easy bruising or minor bleeding
Causes & risk factors
- Bite from an infected Aedes mosquito
- Mosquito breeding in stored water and containers around the home
- Previous dengue infection (raises risk of severe disease)
Treatment & self-care
There is no specific antiviral; care involves rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol-type fever relief — aspirin and ibuprofen-type painkillers are avoided because they can worsen bleeding. Doctors monitor warning signs, and severe cases need hospital fluids. Empty and cover water containers to stop mosquito breeding.
See a doctor urgently if
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
- Bleeding gums, nosebleeds or blood in vomit or stool
- Cold, clammy skin or restlessness as fever settles
- Dizziness or fainting