Dengue Fever Test Test
A dengue fever test checks a sample of your blood to see if you have the dengue virus. It is used if you have symptoms of dengue fever and have been in an area where mosquitos carry the virus.
What this test measures
A dengue fever test checks a sample of your blood to see if you have the dengue virus. There are two main types: antibody tests, which check for proteins your immune system makes to fight the virus, and molecular tests (like PCR), which look for genetic material from the virus.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A positive test result means the test found the virus or antibodies, indicating you likely have a dengue infection. However, antibody tests may cross-react with other similar viruses, so another test may be needed to confirm.
Lower-than-normal results
A negative test result means the virus or antibodies were not found, so dengue may not be causing your symptoms. But it could also mean the test was done too early or too late, so your provider may order another test.
Frequently asked questions
How is dengue fever spread?
Dengue fever is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitos. You cannot catch the virus from a person who is sick with dengue fever.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Symptoms usually begin four to ten days after a bite from an infected mosquito. The most common symptom is a sudden high fever. Symptoms can be mild to severe.
Is there a cure for dengue fever?
There is no specific medicine that can cure or treat dengue fever, but most people recover after about a week.
What should I do if I have dengue fever?
Follow your provider's instructions. In general, care includes getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, taking acetaminophen for fever and pain (avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium), and watching for symptoms of severe dengue.
What is severe dengue?
Severe dengue can cause internal bleeding and shock, which can be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of severe dengue.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Dengue Fever Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.