There are around 380 million dengue fever infections globally each year, of which about 96 million occur with some degree of symptoms. For many, symptoms are usually mild or even asymptomatic, passing within a week. However, in rare cases it can be very serious and potentially life-threatening,16,17,19

Symptoms can appear within three to 14 days, but usually within four to 10 days after being bitten and last two and seven days. Dengue fever is sometimes referred to as ‘break-bone fever’, with musculoskeletal pain prominent alongside flu-like symptoms. Typical onset is with a sudden high fever above 40°C (104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain), muscle and joint pain, a generalised rash, nausea and/or vomiting and appetite loss.16,19

Standard treatment is paracetamol; aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided due to increased risk of bleeding with dengue. Adequate hydration is also important, along with rest.19