Dengue fever

A small proportion of cases can progress to severe dengue (sometimes called dengue haemorrhagic fever). A rapid deterioration can occur 2–5 days after onset of fever. The complications of severe dengue can lead to collapse and can be fatal. Anyone showing symptoms of dengue should see a doctor as soon as possible.

While dengue fever cannot be spread from person to person, the disease can be spread by the bite of certain types of (infected) mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are commonly found in tropical areas around the world. 

The disease is endemic in more than 100 countries in the WHO regions of Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. The Americas, South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions are the most seriously affected, with Asia representing ~70% of the global burden of disease.

Dengue fever is not spread from person to person, but is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Anyone showing symptoms of dengue should see a doctor as soon as possible.

The symptoms of dengue fever are high fever and at least two of the symptoms listed below.

The symptoms of dengue fever are high fever and at least two of the following:

• severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pains
• nausea
• vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash.

A small proportion of cases can progress to severe dengue (sometimes called dengue haemorrhagic fever). A rapid deterioration can occur 2–5 days after onset of fever. The complications of severe dengue can lead to collapse and can be fatal.

Anyone showing symptoms of dengue should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent infection with dengue fever. These will include measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, as listed below.

• sleep in screened/air-conditioned rooms
• use bed nets if you can’t keep the mosquitoes outside
• wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing covering as much skin as possible
• use insect repellent containing DEET (diethyl toluamide) or picaridin and reapply according to the instructions on the label.
• Use insecticide-treated (such as permethrin) clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents).
• If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.

For more information regarding dengue fever speak with your health care professional.