Apr 19, 2026
If you have noticed more mosquitoes around your home or office in the last few weeks, you are not imagining it. April marks the beginning of UAE's annual mosquito surge — the combination of rising temperatures, residual moisture from earlier rain, and still-warm nights creates near-perfect conditions for mosquito activity. This year, health authorities are paying extra attention because climate-related changes have expanded both the range and persistence of mosquito populations across the Emirates.
The good news: protection is straightforward and available from any pharmacy. The important news: this is not the year to ignore it. Dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, has been increasingly reported in the UAE in recent years — including from people with no travel history outside the country.
The UAE has two distinct mosquito risk windows each year. The first runs from April through June as temperatures climb from comfortable to intense and any standing water — from rain, garden irrigation, or construction sites — becomes a breeding ground. The second peak hits in September and October as the heat slightly eases but humidity remains.
Aedes aegypti — the yellow fever mosquito that transmits dengue, Zika, and chikungunya — is active during daylight hours, not just at dusk like common mosquitoes. This means outdoor workers, children playing in the afternoon, and anyone spending time outdoors between 8 AM and 5 PM is at risk even during the day.
There is no specific medication for dengue. Treatment is supportive. This makes prevention the only real protection. Symptoms appear 4 to 14 days after a mosquito bite: sudden high fever of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, severe headache particularly behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain intense enough to give it the name breakbone fever, nausea and vomiting, skin rash appearing 2 to 5 days after the fever begins.
Mild dengue resolves in one to two weeks with rest, fluids, and paracetamol for fever and pain. Do not take ibuprofen or aspirin for dengue — these can increase bleeding risk. Severe dengue causes bleeding, plasma leakage, and organ failure — this requires emergency hospital care. Go to the emergency department if you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, rapid breathing, or extreme fatigue.
|
Product |
What It Does and When to Use It |
|
DEET-based repellent spray |
Most effective protection. Apply to exposed skin before going outdoors. Reapply every 4 hours. |
|
Picaridin repellent |
DEET alternative — same effectiveness, less skin irritation. Better for children and sensitive skin. |
|
Permethrin spray (clothing) |
Treats clothing and gear. One treatment protects through multiple washes. |
|
Mosquito repellent patches |
For children — stick to clothing, no skin contact needed. |
|
Electric mosquito killer (plug-in) |
For indoor protection overnight. Uses heated mat or liquid refills. |
|
Paracetamol |
For dengue fever and pain management. Do NOT use ibuprofen or aspirin if dengue suspected. |
|
ORS sachets |
For rehydration during fever — dengue causes significant fluid loss. |
Shefaa Al Madeena stocks insect repellents, mosquito protection products, paracetamol, and ORS at all branches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Order online at shefaa.ae with free delivery.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even a bottle cap of water is enough for hundreds of larvae. Check and clear these weekly: flower pot saucers, bird baths and water features, AC drip trays, buckets and uncovered containers, roof gutters blocked with debris, unused tyres, pet water bowls (change daily), and any item that collects rainwater in garden areas.
Report suspected mosquito breeding sites in your area to the municipality. Dubai residents can call 800-900 for DM waste and environment services. Abu Dhabi residents can contact the Environment Agency via 800-TADWEER.
