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Dengue
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes that can range from mild to severe, requiring immediate medical attention if warning signs of severe illness appear.

What is dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by four related viruses. It is common in warm, wet areas of the world and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Outbreaks are more common during rainy seasons.

How does dengue spread?

Dengue does not spread directly from person to person. It is transmitted via mosquito bites, though it can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy. In rare cases, it can spread through a blood transfusion, organ transplant, or needle stick injury.

Symptoms

About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. Symptoms usually last two to seven days and include:

  • A high fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rash
  • Aches and pains (eye pain, usually behind the eyes, and pain in the muscles, joints, or bones)

Severe Dengue

About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue, which can cause shock, internal bleeding, and death. Warning signs usually begin 24–48 hours after the fever has gone away. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal (belly) pain and tenderness
  • Vomiting at least 3 times in 24 hours
  • Bleeding from the nose or gums
  • Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
  • Feeling tired, restless, or irritable

Diagnosis and Treatment

A blood test can confirm a dengue infection. There is no specific medicine to treat the virus, but most people recover after about a week. If you suspect you have dengue:

  • See a health care provider and mention any recent travel.
  • Rest as much as possible.
  • Take acetaminophen to control fever and pain; do not take aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Prevention

In the United States, a dengue vaccine is approved for children ages 9–16 who have previously had dengue and live in areas where the virus is common. You can also prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites:

  • Wear insect repellent with DEET or another EPA-registered repellent.
  • Wear clothes that cover your arms, legs, and feet.
  • Close unscreened doors and windows.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

Use mosquito‑repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wear long‑sleeved shirts and long pants, sleep under a screened or mosquito‑netted bed, and stay in rooms with air conditioning or window screens. Treat standing water around your accommodation to eliminate breeding sites.
Rest in a cool, well‑ventilated room, stay well hydrated with oral rehydration solutions or clear fluids, and use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for fever or pain. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs, as they can increase bleeding risk.
If you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting (especially more than three times in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, or feel unusually tired or irritable after the fever has subsided, these are red flags for severe dengue and require immediate medical attention.
Most people recover within 5–7 days, but the critical phase usually occurs 24–48 hours after the fever drops. Watch for warning signs listed above; if they appear, seek medical care promptly to prevent severe complications such as shock or internal bleeding.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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