Public health advice on dengue fever

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which often have stripey bodies and legs – some of them are known as tiger mosquitoes. While many people with dengue have no symptoms or only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe disease and even death.

Anyone who lives in or has recently travelled to areas with dengue and experiences symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or rapid breathing should seek medical care immediately. Early detection of dengue and timely access to proper medical care can greatly reduce deaths from severe dengue. Those infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue.  

Not all mosquitoes can transmit dengue. The Aedes mosquito, which transmits dengue, usually lives near human homes and is active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon before dusk.  

Dengue is not spread directly from person to person. However, an infected person can carry the virus to new areas where mosquitoes can then spread it to others.

While dengue is primarily a disease of countries with warm and wet climates, in recent years, more people have been infected in Europe. Due to increased international travel, warmer temperatures, humidity and flooding caused by climate change, the mosquito that carries dengue is now present in several countries across the WHO European Region, mostly in cities and surrounding urban areas.

You can lower your risk of getting dengue by protecting yourself from mosquito bites with a few simple steps.

• Wear light, breathable clothing that covers as much of your body as possible (for example, long sleeves and pants).
• Use approved insect repellents. Adults should apply repellent on children. If using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and the mosquito repellent afterward, leaving a few minutes between applications (follow the manufacturer’s instructions and age recommendations).
• Install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

Yes, a vaccine for dengue exists. However, vaccination is only recommended under specific circumstances, such as for people who have had dengue before and who travel to areas where the disease is widespread. If you are unsure whether the vaccine is suitable for you, consult your doctor or local travel clinic for personalized advice.

It usually takes 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite for symptoms to develop. Most people with dengue experience mild or no symptoms and recover in 1 to 2 weeks. Dengue can occasionally lead to more severe symptoms and even death. However, early diagnosis and proper medical care significantly reduce the risk.

Mild dengue symptoms include at least 2 of the following:

• high fever
• severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• muscle, bone or joint pains
• nausea, vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash.

People who are infected with the virus for the second time, as well as pregnant women, young children and older people, are at greater risk of severe dengue.

Severe dengue symptoms include:

• severe abdominal pain
• persistent vomiting
• rapid breathing
• bleeding gums
• fatigue, restlessness
• blood in vomit or stool
• extreme thirst
• pale and cold skin
• weakness.

If you have one or more of the above symptoms and live in or have travelled to areas with dengue, seek care right away, as you may require hospitalization. A decrease in your temperature does not necessarily mean you are recovering. 

After recovery, you may continue to feel exhausted for several weeks.

There is currently no specific treatment or medication for dengue. Most patients with dengue fever manage their symptoms at home with pain relief medications.

If you get dengue, it’s important to:

• rest
• drink plenty of liquids
• use prescribed pain medication (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they can increase the risk of bleeding)
• watch for severe symptoms and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any
• inform your doctor of any recent travel history to areas with dengue.