How Long After A Mosquito Bite Can You Develop Dengue

With summer here, mosquitoes have yet again taken over our surroundings. Outdoor activities have become impossible with all the buzzing and biting, and the fear of mosquito-borne illnesses is only increasing.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the highest number of dengue cases were recorded in 2023, with over 60.5 lakh cases and more than 7300 dengue-related deaths.

While dengue infections are yet to make a comeback this year, it is best to stay vigilant and take all necessary measures against the disease. Moreover, it is not only important to know how it transmits and the symptoms it causes, but it is also crucial to understand how long after a mosquito bite it can take for you to get infected and to develop symptoms.

Also Read: Mosquito Season Is Back, Try These 7 Home Remedies To Prevent Bites

What Causes Dengue?

Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Swati Rajagopal, Consultant - Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, says, “Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.”

A. Aegypti and A. albopictus are the two most common species, which are the two most extensively distributed mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. These mosquitoes live in and around houses, breeding in containers that hold fresh water, according to the doctor.

As far as transmission is concerned, when a mosquito bites a person infected with the virus, it then becomes a carrier. Dengue illness can then rapidly pass from one person to the next as soon as another infected mosquito bites you. 

How Long After A Mosquito Bite Can You Develop Dengue?

According to Dr Rajagopal, once dengue mosquito bites and the virus finds its way into your bloodstream, one can expect it to linger there quietly, incubating for a period between four and ten days, sometimes even stretching its stay up to a fortnight.

“During this time, it sets up camp within your body, multiplying stealthily before launching its full-fledged attack,” she says, adding, “The typical dengue fever symptoms include headache, pain behind the eyes and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.”

However, the doctor shares that not all mosquito bites transmit the dengue infection because the mosquito itself needs to be infected with the dengue virus for transmission.

The Incubation Period

The doctor describes the incubation period as the time difference between one's exposure to a pathogen (which might be a virus or bacteria) and showing symptoms after infection.

It basically denotes the time taken by the pathogen to multiply inside the body and for the immune system to react significantly enough that observable symptoms are produced, she reiterates.

According to her, in dengue fever, this period usually lasts 4–10 days but, in some cases, can even go up to 14 days. It starts when an individual is bitten by a mosquito carrying the dengue virus; during this time, the virus replicates in the body and begins its spread.

Also Read: The Risk Of Severe Dengue, Possible Death: Actions To Take Before It's Too Late

Symptoms Of Dengue To Watch Out For

Dengue infection can take a significant toll on your body. It can lead to various symptoms and, in certain cases, if not treated promptly, can result in severe complications and even death.

“An elevation in body temperature is usually one of the initial symptoms; it can rise to 104°F (40°C) or even higher. This fever is sometimes called "breakbone fever" as it comes with pain behind the eyes. Dengue fever manifests significant fatigue and weakness, especially during its acute phase, which further worsens the clinical condition of an individual. A rash can make its appearance a few days post-onset; it is typically found on the dorsum of the hands and feet and spreads to the arms, legs, and torso,” says Dr Rajagopal.

“In severe cases, dengue fever can result in bleeding gums or nosebleeds and easily lead to ecchymosis; this signals dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, often seen later as a more severe form of disease,” she adds.

Conclusion

Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms. In the majority of cases, healthy individuals with a strong immune system and those who get prompt treatment recover within a week to ten days. However, if proper action is not taken, it can result in life-threatening situations. Older adults, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions should take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Make sure you get rid of stagnant water, which acts as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and also use insect repellent, wear loose-fitting clothes, and avoid outdoor activities.