Dengue

Overview

How can I get sick? 

• Through a mosquito bite. Mosquitos get the virus from biting a person that has dengue. The infected* mosquito will then spread dengue to other humans when they bite them. 

• From mother to baby. 
• A pregnant woman who has dengue can transfer it to their baby throughout the pregnancy or during birth.   

Symptoms in humans:  

Most people with dengue don’t have symptoms or have mild symptoms. Symptoms can last 2 to 7 days.  

Mild symptoms of dengue:  

• High fever of 104° F along with two or more of the following symptoms 
  • Very bad headache 
  • Pain behind eyes 
  • Joint and muscle pain 
  • Feeling like you need to throw up 
  • Throwing up 
  • Rash 

Severe Symptoms of Dengue:  

• In a small number of people more severe symptoms can show up 3 to 7 days after getting sick. People with dengue can die if they have these symptoms so it is important for them to see a doctor. The warning signs are:  
  • Very bad stomach pain 
  • Can’t stop throwing up 
  • Breathing very fast 
  • Bleeding nose or gums 
  • Feeling very tired 
  • Blood in poop or throw up  

What can I do to stay healthy? 

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites 

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.  

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.   
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.  
• Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.  
• Remove anything that will bring mosquitoes into your home. For example, emptying standing water from pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers.  

What to do when traveling overseas 

• Use insect repellents while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent.  
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.   
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with repellent.  
• Choose a hotel or place to stay that has air conditioning or windows and doors with screens to keep mosquitos outside.  
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside or if you are staying in a room with no screens on windows or doors.  

 *Definitions:

• Infected: When germs get inside of a body, animal, or an organism.  
• Insect repellent: Product applied to skin, clothing or surfaces to keep insects away.