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Dengue Fever (DF), and the more dangerous Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), are the results of being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito. The word “Dengue” is the abbreviated Spanish translation of the Swahili term "cramp-like seizure caused by an evil spirit”. The other common name for it is “Break Bone Fever” because that’s just what it feels like. Around four to six days after being bitten, you will start a fever and rash, and you will have headaches, muscle and joint pains. Then you start to vomit. If your have DHF, the small blood vessels in your body will start to rupture causing bleeding from your nose and gums, and bruises.

If you think you have DHF symptoms, go see a doctor immediately as DHF is fatal in about 20% of the cases. If you have (DF) Dengue symptoms, report them to your doctor, then get lots of rest and fluids in you. This year in Nicaragua there have already been two deaths from DHF and an estimated 200 people per week report Dengue-type symptoms.

The best ways to control the mosquito population is to make sure there is no unnecessary standing water around your home or business. After the rain, make sure to empty any water that may be caught in old buckets, tires, or lids. The government also urges you to burry old trash, to help protect yourself, wear bug spray during the day when the Aedes mosquito is active.