General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

Fact sheetVirus

Dengue

Dengue is mainly transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Their presence alone does not demonstrate local transmission.

Documentary Enrichment: · General information

Essentials

Arbovirosis transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes; an infection may be asymptomatic or become severe.

Agent
Dengue virus
Transmission or exposure
Vector

Situation and vulnerability

An infection can evolve into a serious form. The reduction of fever does not guarantee healing.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

Fever, pain, headache, nausea or rash may accompany dengue fever. Serious signs may occur when fever decreases: intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, severe weakness or difficulty breathing warrant immediate help.

Diagnosis and monitoring

The choice of test depends in particular on when the symptoms started. Direct detection and antibody testing do not answer the same question. The context of stay and the local circulation of arboviruses participate in the interpretation.

Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →

Prevention and care

Protection against stinging and reduction of larval gites are complementary. The vaccine indications depend on the country and the individual profile.

Practical issues

What are the signs of urgent care?

Significant abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding or high weakness after fever require urgent assessment. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen if dengue is suspected.

Does a reduction in fever always mean healing?

No. Signs of severe dengue may occur after the fever has decreased. Global evolution and warning signs count.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

  • Dates and territories of stay
  • Fever onset, evolution and drinking capacity
  • Possible bleeding, pregnancy, history of dengue and medicines taken

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.
Moustique posé sur une feuille dans un jardin. AI-generated illustration.
Mosquitoes in the garden — Mosquitoes placed on a leaf in a garden.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. Illustration IA: No species or infection can be identified from this visual.

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Related fact sheets

These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.

Compare Dengue with associated sheets →

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In practiceObserve and understand

Dengue: falling fever is not enough to rule out deterioration

Warning signs may appear as fever subsides. Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or bleeding need urgent assessment.

Dengue: falling fever is not enough to rule out deterioration — explanations and limits
Report itemWhat it helps explainQuestion to ask
Medicines takenIf dengue is suspected, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen because of bleeding risk; ask for advice on fever treatment.Which products did I take, at what doses and times?
Bites during illnessKeep avoiding bites: a mosquito can acquire the virus from an infected person and pass it on.How can the sick person be protected from mosquitoes?

References for these explanations

Sources consulted on . Examples and diagrams are educational; the original guidance defines its scope.

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.