What is dengue fever?
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti. It does not spread from person to person.
Millions of cases are reported worldwide each year, and Mexico is one of the regions with the highest incidence during the rainy and hot season. There are four virus serotypes (DENV-1 through DENV-4), which can cause anything from mild illness to severe, potentially life-threatening forms such as severe dengue.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito lives in tropical and urban habitats, breeds in containers of standing water, and — unlike other mosquitoes — bites mainly during the day (at dawn and dusk). In Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, the highest-risk season runs from June through November, coinciding with the rains.
Think you might have dengue fever?
At Hospital CMQ we offer:
✓ Same-day medical appointment
✓ Dengue Duo® test with fast results
✓ 24/7 emergency care at all 3 locations
Book on WhatsApp: 322 147 0044
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after the bite, according to the World Health Organization. The most common are:
- Sudden high fever (39°C / 102°F or higher)
- Intense headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Loss of appetite
The intense muscle pain is why dengue was once known as "breakbone fever."
How is dengue fever spread?
Dengue is transmitted only through the bite of an infected mosquito — it does not spread from person to person through direct contact. The mosquito becomes infected after biting a person who already has the virus in their blood, and can then transmit it to others through later bites.
Who is at higher risk of severe dengue?
Anyone can get dengue, but the risk of a severe form increases in:
- People who have had dengue before: a second infection with a different serotype can trigger a more aggressive immune reaction.
- Children and older adults.
- People living in or visiting areas with active transmission, such as Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas during the rainy season.
- People with associated chronic conditions.
How is dengue fever diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines clinical evaluation of symptoms with lab testing. At Hospital CMQ we offer the Dengue Duo® rapid test, which detects IgM and IgG antibodies with same-day results, along with studies such as a complete blood count to assess platelet levels.
How long does dengue fever last, and how is it treated?
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on relieving symptoms: rest, aggressive hydration, fever control with acetaminophen, and medical monitoring for warning signs.
Important: self-medicating with ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin is not recommended, since these medications increase bleeding risk — especially relevant in children, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
| Phase | Approximate duration | Symptoms |
| Febrile phase | 2–7 days | High fever, muscle pain, eye pain |
| Critical phase | 24–48 hours | Risk of complications and bleeding |
| Recovery | 2–7 days | Gradual improvement |
Most people recover in 5 to 10 days, although fatigue can linger for several weeks. Dengue can worsen right as the fever starts to break, which is why medical monitoring during those days is key.
Everything under one roof
When someone has dengue, there's no time to travel between different clinics and labs. At Hospital CMQ, the entire process happens at the same hospital:
- Same-day medical consultation and initial assessment
- Dengue Duo® test and complete blood count in our in-house lab
- Hospital monitoring in case of complications, with no transfers needed
- IV fluids and 24/7 emergency care
- Follow-up visit with the same doctor, who already has your history
- 24/7 ambulance available from our 3 locations if you can't travel
What complications can dengue fever cause?
Severe dengue (or hemorrhagic dengue) can cause internal bleeding, shock from fluid loss, and organ failure. Prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of severe complications.
You can read the warning signs of severe dengue in detail in our severe dengue fever guide.
How can dengue fever be prevented?
Prevention focuses on stopping the mosquito from breeding:
- Eliminate standing water in and around your home.
- Cover containers used to store water.
- Dispose of bottles, tires, or buckets that could serve as breeding sites.
- Use repellent and personal protection, such as mosquito nets.
- Support fumigation during peak transmission months.
Qdenga® (TAK-003) is now available in Mexico, a new-generation vaccine against all four dengue serotypes, with health registration from COFEPRIS. Whether it's indicated for you depends on specific medical criteria — check with your doctor.
When should you go to the emergency room?
Seek urgent medical care immediately if you have:
- Bleeding from the gums or nose
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden drop in blood pressure or signs of shock
Need a dengue test? Book on WhatsApp at 322 147 0044 or come directly to our Emergency Room.
Article reviewed by Dr. David Hernández, Internal Medicine
Review date: July 7, 2026
The information in this article is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical evaluation.
Reading time: 6 minutes
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Dengue and severe dengue.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dengue — clinical management.
- COFEPRIS. Health registration for the Qdenga® (TAK-003) vaccine in Mexico.
- Jalisco Secretary of Health, Region VII — 2025 case report.