Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. Dengue is a severe, flu-like illness that can affect infants, young children and adults, but rarely causes death. The symptoms of this virus typically last for 2–7 days, after an incubation period of 4–10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.

If patients evidently shows these symptoms during the critical phase, close observation for the next 24–48 hours is essential so that accurate medical care can be provided, to avoid complications and risk of death. Depending on the time of patient presentation, the application of different diagnostic methods may be more or less appropriate.

Symptoms of dengue, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include:

Sudden, high fever

Severe headaches

Pain behind the eyes

Severe joint and muscle pain

Fatigue

Nausea

Vomiting

Skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever

Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)