Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

THINK dengue in patients who present with signs or symptoms of dengue, particularly if they live in or have travelled to an area where dengue is known to occur.

Typical symptoms of dengue can include:

• fever
• extreme tiredness
• intense headache and/or periorbital pain
• muscle and joint pain
• vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• sunburn like rash
• bleeding from the nose or gums and/or heavy menstrual periods.

Testing guidance

Detection of dengue virus requires both clinical evidence and an appropriate blood test.

• Testing for dengue is recommended in anyone with a compatible illness who has been in an area with potential dengue activity, typically 3-14 days prior to onset of symptoms.
• Note the date of onset of symptoms and location of travel on the pathology request.
• Recommend full blood count to check for leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia.
• Consider testing for other mosquito-borne diseases including Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) based on exposure risk.

Management

• There is no specific treatment for dengue, care is largely supportive including rehydration and simple analgesia.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Provide advice to the patient to reduce risk of transmission of dengue - Dengue | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

Prevention

Queensland Health recommends the following precautions to limit exposure to mosquitoes:

• Wear long-sleeved loose-fitting clothing and enclosed footwear to minimise skin exposure.
• Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, at regular intervals in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to exposed skin.
• Ensure accommodation is free of mosquitoes - close window screens and use insecticide sprays indoors.
• Clean up around your home, including emptying items that hold water to prevent mosquito breeding.

Further information: Dengue | Communicable disease control guidance (health.qld.gov.au)

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