Dengue Fever
There is currently an outbreak of dengue in the Torres Strait and there is an ongoing risk of dengue to travellers in Indonesia.
Clinicians should be alert for signs and symptoms of dengue, particularly in patients who have travelled to the Torres Strait Islands and Indonesia.
Notify your local public health unit immediately on clinical suspicion of dengue infection.
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread only by certain mosquitoes.
THINK dengue in patients who live in or have travelled to a dengue endemic (or epidemic) area.
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
NS1 (viral protein) - 0-9 days after onset of symptoms
*a fast result but not all labs can provide this test*
PCR (viral RNA) - 0-9 days after onset of symptoms
*this test is reliable during a fever*
Dengue serology (IgG and IgM antibody) - from day 5 onwards after onset of symptoms
*beware false + IgM, IgG. Needs ref. lab confirmation*
- Testing for dengue is recommended in persons with clinically compatible illness who have travelled to an area with known dengue activity 3-14 days prior to onset of symptoms.
- Note the date of onset of symptoms and location of recent travel on the pathology request.
- Consider full blood count to check for leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia.
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
Prevention
Travellers to the Torres Strait Islands and Indonesia should take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear long-sleeved loose-fitting clothing and enclosed footwear to minimise skin exposure during daylight hours.
- Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, at regular intervals in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure accommodation is free of mosquitoes - close window screens and use insecticide sprays indoors.
Further information: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/disease-control/conditions/dengue
