Dengue fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes.

Infection with the dengue virus can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, also known as severe dengue, which affects the body's vascular system (how blood moves through the body). This can lead to significant internal bleeding and organ failure.

Outbreaks of dengue fever are increasingly common in tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in urban and semi-urban areas. The dengue virus is not present in mosquitos in Canada.

Although advanced research is underway, there is currently no approved vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends protecting yourself from mosquito bites when in areas where dengue fever is present.