Dengue fever — DTM&H MCQ

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ModerateTropical viral infectionsDengue feverDTM&H

A 32-year-old traveller returns from Thailand with high fever, retro-orbital pain, severe myalgia and a maculopapular rash. Platelets are 78 × 10⁹/L and malaria film is negative. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Dengue fever

Dengue fever is the single best answer because fever with retro-orbital pain, myalgia, rash and thrombocytopenia after Aedes exposure is typical of dengue. Chikungunya is plausible in a related presentation, but it is less appropriate because it does not fit the key discriminator in this vignette. The teaching point is that NSAIDs should be avoided because bleeding risk may be increased.

Reference: WHO disease outbreak guidance; UKHSA travel-associated infection guidance; CDC Yellow Book 2026