There is no vaccine to prevent dengue. The best way to prevent getting the disease is to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Avoiding insect bites
To avoid being bitten by a mosquito:
- Stay away from highly infested areas and (if possible) stay indoors during the hours of dawn and dusk (when mosquitoes are more likely to feed).
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. Mosquitoes are able to bite through tight-fitting clothes.
- Sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten at night.
- Use insect repellent to avoid being bitten. Products containing N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET) are effective but should not be used on babies under two years old.
See the Health A-Z topic on Preventing insect bites for more detailed information on how to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.
