Dengue
Prevention
Preventing dengue
There's currently no widely available vaccine for dengue. You can prevent it by avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes.
The following can reduce your risk of being bitten:
- use insect repellent products containing 50% DEET are most effective, but lower concentrations (15-30% DEET) should be used in children, and alternatives to DEET should be usedin children younger than two months
- wear loose but protective clothing mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothes; trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and shoes (not sandals) are ideal
- sleep under a mosquito net ideally one that has been treated with insecticide
- be aware of your environment mosquitoes that spread dengue breed in standing water in urban areas
It's a good idea to speak to your GP, practice nurse or a travel clinic before travelling to get specific advice about what you can do to avoid dengue and other travel illnesses.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
Introduction
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It's widespread in many parts of the world. In most people the infection is mild and passes in about a week without causing any lasting problems. But in rare cases it can be very serious and potentially life threatening.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dengue usually develop suddenly 4 to 10 days after becoming infected like; a high temperature (fever), severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, etc. The symptoms normally pass in about a week, although you may feel tired and slightly unwell for several weeks afterwards.
Severe Dengue
In rare cases dengue can be very serious and potentially life threatening. This is known as severe dengue or dengue haemorrhagic fever. People who've had dengue before are thought to be most at risk of severe dengue if they become infected again.
Prevention
There's currently no widely available vaccine for dengue. You can prevent it by avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes, use insect repellent, wear loose but protective clothing, etc.
Treatment
There's no cure or specific treatment for dengue. Treatment involves relieving your symptoms while the infection runs its course. You can usually look after yourself at home. Take paracetamol to relieve pain and fever, drink plenty of fluids, etc.
Patient story: "I wouldn't want to repeat the experience of having dengue."
The story of Hugh Wilson, who came down with dengue while on holiday in Thailand. Hugh and his partner were staying in Krabi insouthern Thailand when Hugh started to experience symptoms.
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products