Dengue fever is a virus-caused disease that is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms of dengue fever typically begin 4 to 7 days after the infection and last for 2 to 7 days. Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1 to 2 weeks. However, about 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue within a few hours after symptoms start.

Symptoms of mild dengue fever can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash. The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)
• Any warning sign

Symptoms of severe dengue can occur 24 to 48 hours after fever has gone away. Severe symptoms include:

• Severe stomach pain and tenderness
• Vomiting often (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Vomiting blood or passing blood in the stools or urine
• Bleeding under the skin (looks like bruises)
• Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing
• Feeling tired, restless, or irritable

If you or anyone you know has symptoms of severe dengue, call 911 or the local emergency number right away.