Dengue Test in Puerto Vallarta

If you have a fever, body aches, or a headache while you’re in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit, it’s natural to wonder what’s causing it—especially during dengue season. A dengue test can help your doctor determine whether dengue may be behind your symptoms and decide what care you may need.

At Hospital CMQ you can get the Bioline™ Dengue Duo (NS1 Ag + Ab Combo) rapid test to check for dengue virus infection at any stage of the illness. It’s recommended if you have fever, body aches, or a headache during dengue season in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit.

What is a dengue test?

A dengue test is a blood test that looks for evidence of dengue infection. Because dengue can cause symptoms that overlap with other illnesses, testing can help your doctor make a more informed assessment and determine the appropriate next steps.

What test does Hospital CMQ use, and how does it work?

We use the Bioline™ Dengue Duo (NS1 Ag + Ab Combo), a rapid test made by Abbott. From a single blood sample, it checks for two things at the same time:

• NS1 antigen: a marker that shows up early in the infection, usually in the first few days of fever.
• IgM/IgG antibodies: your immune system’s response, which typically appears a bit later in the illness.

Checking for both at once means the test can detect dengue at different stages of the illness — not just in the first few days — which lowers the chance of a false negative compared to checking for only one marker. It works for all four dengue virus types.

A technician takes a small blood sample and results are ready in as little as 15–20 minutes.

When do I need a dengue test?

Consider a dengue test if you have:

• Sudden high fever (39–40 °C)
• Severe headache or pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or skin rash
• Recent time in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit during rainy season (June–October), with mosquito exposure

Warning signs that need urgent care: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, or extreme tiredness. If you notice any of these, go to Urgencias right away — don’t wait for a lab result.

See our Severe Dengue guide for warning signs and when it’s an emergency →

For a full explanation of dengue symptoms, stages, and how doctors monitor for complications, see our Dengue guide.

Read our Dengue guide (what it is, symptoms, treatment) →

What should I expect when I arrive?

1. Walk in any time, 24/7, at any of our three hospitals in operation — no appointment needed (booking ahead can save you time).
2. It’s recommended you fast for at least 4 hours before coming.
3. A technician takes a small blood sample (fingerstick or blood draw). No fasting is required.
4. If you have a doctor’s order, bring it. If not, our medical team can evaluate you first.
5. Results are ready in as little as 15–20 minutes.
6. A doctor reviews your results with you and recommends next steps.

Results time

Where can I get a dengue test?

All three of our hospitals offer 24-hour lab service, with emergency care.

Content reviewed by Dr. David Hernández, Internal Medicine, and SANLOR Laboratory at Hospital CMQ · Published: August 2026.