If you think you have severe dengue, see a doctor urgently
The symptoms of dengue can be very mild. In fact, many people have an infection without knowing it. But some people can become very ill with severe dengue.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year around the world up to 400 million people get infected with dengue, around 100 million people get sick from infection, and 40,000 die from severe dengue.1
Often the first sign of dengue is a fever, which can last for two to seven days, alongside other symptoms such as muscle pain, headaches and rash.
In people with severe dengue, blood vessels may begin to leak, blood pressure can drop and organs may stop working properly. This can be fatal.2
According to the World Health Organization, warning signs of severe dengue include3 :
Severe pain in the tummy
Persistent vomiting
Fast breathing
Bleeding gums
Feeling extremely tired
Feeling restless
Blood in your vomit
If you develop any of these warning signs, see your doctor urgently. Spotting these symptoms early and getting treatment promptly could help save your life.
The risk of developing severe dengue can be higher for someone who has been infected with dengue before. Everyone who lives in or travels to an area where there is dengue is at risk, so take precautions to protect yourself and your family.
