Dengue fever is one of the top ten global health threats – it’s also the most rapidly spreading. There has been a 30-fold increase in global incidence over the past 50 years.

Common symptoms of dengue include fever, rash, nausea and aches and pains, lasting up to a week. Some people with dengue develop complications that can result in internal bleeding, shock and even death. Severe dengue requires careful monitoring in hospital.

There are four serotypes of dengue virus, all of which can cause disease. Prior infection with one dengue serotype is a risk factor for developing later infections.

Causes

Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite during the day, usually just after sunrise and around sunset.

Dengue symptoms

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Rash

Symptoms typically last for two to seven days.