Dengue

Causes & Risk Factors

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, with risk influenced by:

•  Living in or traveling to a dengue-endemic area.

•  Presence of mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water) near living or working areas.

•  Seasonal patterns — risk often increases during and after monsoon or rainy seasons when mosquito breeding increases.

•  Prior dengue infection with a different serotype — can increase risk of more severe disease on a subsequent infection.

•  Limited use of mosquito protection measures (repellents, nets, protective clothing).

Symptoms & When to Test

Dengue symptoms typically begin suddenly and can range from mild to severe, with certain warning signs indicating a need for urgent care.

•  High fever, often sudden in onset

•  Severe headache

•  Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)

•  Muscle and joint pain (sometimes called "breakbone fever")

•  Skin rash

•  Mild bleeding tendencies — such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding

•  Warning signs of severe dengue — persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is appropriate for fever with symptoms suggestive of dengue, particularly during dengue season or in endemic areas. The specific test used depends on how many days you have had symptoms — your doctor or NPL can advise which test is most appropriate for your day of illness.

Why Tests Are Combined

NS1 antigen is typically most useful early in illness (approximately the first 1–7 days), while IgM antibodies generally become detectable somewhat later and IgG reflects either a more established current response or evidence of past infection — testing the right combination for your specific day of illness improves diagnostic accuracy.

CBC is included alongside antigen/antibody testing because dengue can cause a drop in platelet count and changes in hematocrit, both of which are important for monitoring illness severity and identifying warning signs of progression to more severe dengue.

Because the diagnostic window for each marker differs, a single test performed at the wrong time in the illness course can give a false-negative result — this is why the duration of illness is such an important piece of information when selecting the appropriate dengue test.

Tests Available at NPL

Most infectious-disease molecular tests and microbiological investigations do not require fasting. However, some blood tests ordered at the same time may have specific preparation requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Dengue blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL accredited under ISO 15189:2022 laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  High fever with severe headache, eye pain, or body aches during dengue season or after travel to an endemic area

•  Warning signs of severe dengue: persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing — seek urgent care

•  Any bleeding tendency (nosebleeds, gum bleeding, unusual bruising) with fever

•  Fever that worsens or fails to improve as expected