November 13, 2026 · ✓ Medically Reviewed by Apex Clinical Team
Most dengue infections are mild and settle in one to two weeks with rest, fluids and paracetamol, but some people develop severe dengue, which needs hospital care. The danger period is often just as the fever comes down: severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, fast breathing, or extreme tiredness and restlessness mean you should go to hospital immediately. Get a blood test early if you have high fever with body ache, headache or rash — especially if you live near standing water.
Why lakeside neighbourhoods in North Bengaluru should stay alert
North Bengaluru's lakes — Yelahanka, Puttenahalli and Jakkur among them — are valuable green spaces, but stagnant water and incomplete drainage around them can increase mosquito breeding.
- During a July 2026 inspection, Upa Lokayuktas found untreated sewage stagnating behind the waste weir of Yelahanka Lake and sewage flowing into stormwater drains and the lake itself, and ordered action from several departments (The Hindu).
- Around the Yelahanka–Puttenahalli Bird Conservation Reserve, BWSSB told the National Green Tribunal that 11.46 km of a 12.6 km lateral sewer network had been laid, and it projects the catchment population to reach 78,312 by 2051 (Bangalore Mirror).
One important nuance: the Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue prefers clean, still water in containers close to homes — flower-pot trays, buckets, overhead tanks, coolers, tyres and construction-site puddles. Lakes and drains with dirty water tend to breed other mosquitoes. So for dengue, the water around your own home and building matters most, while lake-side drains add to the overall mosquito burden in the neighbourhood.
Dengue at a glance
The World Health Organization says about half the world's population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100–400 million infections each year, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas (WHO). Most people who get dengue have no symptoms; those who do commonly have high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash, and most recover in one to two weeks.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Early detection and good medical care greatly lower the risk of death from severe dengue.
Dengue vs viral fever vs malaria
| Feature | Dengue | Common viral fever | Malaria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread by | Aedes mosquito (bites mostly in daytime) | Respiratory droplets, contact | Anopheles mosquito (bites mostly at night) |
| Fever pattern | Sudden high fever, often 2–7 days | Moderate fever, 2–5 days | Fever with chills, may come in cycles |
| Key symptoms | Severe body/joint ache, pain behind the eyes, rash | Sore throat, runny nose, cough | Shivering, sweating, headache |
| Blood test | NS1 antigen / dengue serology; platelet count | Usually not needed if mild | Smear or rapid antigen test |
| Danger sign | Bleeding, severe stomach pain, vomiting as fever falls | Breathlessness, confusion | Confusion, jaundice, very dark urine |
| Pain relief | Paracetamol only | Paracetamol | As prescribed with antimalarials |
Sources: WHO dengue fact sheet, WHO malaria fact sheet.
Because symptoms overlap, a blood test is the only reliable way to tell them apart. Do not self-diagnose.
Warning signs of severe dengue
WHO lists these warning signs, which usually appear 24–48 hours after the fever goes away:
- severe abdominal pain
- persistent vomiting
- rapid breathing
- bleeding gums or nose
- fatigue or restlessness
- blood in vomit or stool
- being very thirsty
- pale and cold skin
- feeling weak
If you notice any of these, go to the emergency department straight away. Babies, older adults, pregnant women and people with diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease need closer monitoring.
Home care for mild dengue (only after a doctor's advice)
- Rest and stay at home.
- Drink plenty of fluids — water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), coconut water, soups.
- Use paracetamol for fever and pain, at the dose your doctor advises.
- Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs, which can increase bleeding risk.
- Return for repeat blood tests if your doctor asks — platelet and haematocrit trends guide care.
- Watch for warning signs, especially on days 3–7.
There is no proven home remedy that "raises platelets". Follow medical advice rather than social media.
Prevention for homes and apartment complexes near the lakes
| Where | What to do |
|---|---|
| Inside the home | Empty and scrub flower-pot trays, fridge drip trays and coolers weekly |
| Terrace and balcony | Cover water tanks; remove old tyres, coconut shells, containers |
| Apartment common areas | Ask the association to check sumps, drains and basement pools |
| Construction sites nearby | Report waterlogged pits to the local ward office |
| Personal protection | Full sleeves, mosquito repellent, window screens; nets for infants |
How we can help
The Internal Medicine team at Apex Multispeciality Hospital assesses fever, arranges dengue and malaria tests and monitors blood counts. Children with fever can be seen by our Paediatrics and Neonatology team. Our pathology laboratory supports blood testing.
Please contact us if you have a fever lasting more than two days, or come to the emergency department for any warning sign.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get tested for dengue?
See a doctor and get tested if you have a sudden high fever with headache, body ache, pain behind the eyes or rash. An NS1 antigen test is most useful in the first few days of fever; antibody tests are used later.
Is low platelet count always dangerous in dengue?
Not always. Platelets often fall in dengue and many people recover without a transfusion. Doctors look at the overall picture, including warning signs, haematocrit and fluid status. Follow your doctor’s advice on repeat tests.
Which painkiller is safe in dengue?
Paracetamol is recommended for fever and pain. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs because they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Do lakes cause dengue?
The dengue mosquito mainly breeds in clean, still water in containers close to homes. Polluted lakes and drains usually breed other mosquito types, but they add to the overall mosquito problem. Removing standing water at home is the most effective step against dengue.
Where can I get fever and dengue care near Yelahanka?
Apex Multispeciality Hospital on Bellahalli Main Road, Yelahanka, Sathanur offers internal medicine, paediatrics, laboratory tests and 24/7 emergency care. Emergency line: +91-80-29917805.
Contact Apex Multispeciality Hospital, Yelahanka
Apex Multispeciality Hospital, Bellahalli Main Road, Near Reva University, Yelahanka, Sathanur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064.
- Emergency: +91-80-29917805
- Appointments: +91-80-29918321
- WhatsApp: +91 82964 22571
- Contact us and directions
In a life-threatening emergency, call 112 (national emergency number) or 108 (ambulance) and go to the nearest emergency department.
Reviewed by the Apex clinical team. This article is for general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. If you think you or someone with you is having a medical emergency, call 112 or 108 immediately.
