How dengue works in the body
Short screens, one idea each: what happens, the warning signs, what to do and what not to do.
- Three phases
- The danger days
- What to do at home
- Rest and fluids
- Watch for signs
- Back to health
Dengue in one minute
How dengue spreads
An Aedes mosquito bites, mostly in the daytime, and carries the virus from one person to another. It lays its eggs in clean, still water.
- It bites in the day
- It breeds in clean still water: buckets, tyres, pots
- Empty standing water every week
What it does in the body
Dengue brings a high fever and body ache. After a few days the platelets in the blood can fall and small vessels can leak. That is when it can turn dangerous.
- High fever and body ache
- Platelets can fall
- Weakness and drowsiness are warning signs
The danger days
The riskiest time is often when the fever goes, around days 4 to 6. Feeling better is not always being better: keep watching.
- 1–3Fever
- 4–6Watch closely
- 7+Getting better
What to do
- Rest and drink plenty: water, ORS, soup
- Check for the danger signs every day
- Ask us for help: it is free