Dengue Fever Prevention

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus affecting more than 390 million people each year. While the disease is generally mild, it can be deadly.

Recent research shows dengue is between 100 and 800 years old. It likely originated in Africa or Southeast Asia and was then carried to other parts of the world through travel and trade.

In recent years, dengue has spread to over 100 countries. Now, travellers to popular destinations like Brazil and India could contract the disease.

The virus is also known as ‘breakbone fever’ due to its symptoms.

Unlike other diseases, dengue has different symptoms depending on the stage it is in. According to the NHS, dengue’s most common symptoms are:

Source: NHS

The virus can show symptoms quickly. Fever, headache, joint pain and bleeding can last for up to seven days.

Generally, younger children and those experiencing their first dengue infection have milder symptoms. It is possible to contract dengue more than once.

To learn more about the signs and symptoms of dengue fever, contact a Passport Health Travel Specialist. Ring or book an appointment online.

Serious cases of dengue will progress into dengue hemorrhagic fever or DHF. While dengue is generally ‘flu-like’ DHF can be fatal.

Early symptoms are the same as dengue. But, acute symptoms are more serious. The virus causes ‘leaky’ blood vessels, circulatory failure, shock and death.

There is no cure for dengue nor dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Like its cousins chikungunya and Zika, the dengue virus spreads through mosquito bites. Dengue often spreads when:

• A mosquito (usually of the Aedes species) bites an infected human.
• This mosquito is now infected with dengue fever. Mosquitoes are only carriers of the disease, it does not affect them as it does humans.
• The mosquito bites a human. That human is now infected with the virus. He or she will then infect any unaffected mosquitoes that bite them.

According to the NHS, about 75 percent of all dengue infections show no symptoms. Around 20 percent of dengue symptoms are mild. But, five percent will develop severe, life-threatening symptoms.

Be sure to use repellents and nettings to avoid mosquito bites.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Supportive care is used to help with symptoms. Usually, analgesics, hydration and bed rest are enough to help patients through their infection. If you suspect dengue during or after you trip, be sure to seek medical attention.

Because of the lack of a true dengue treatment, prevention is key whilst in regions with the disease.

As a mosquito-borne disease, preventing dengue is as simple as preventing mosquito bites. There is no approved dengue vaccine in the UK.

Many health organisations suggest the following to protect yourself from dengue:

• Wear long-sleeve shirts and long trousers.
• Treat clothes with repellents like permethrin.
• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellent like DEET.
• Consider using mosquito netting if you will be in an areas with many mosquitoes.
• Ensure windows and doors screens are closed to avoid allowing mosquitoes into inclosed spaces.
• Avoid areas with standing water. Especially at times of high mosquito activity like dawn and dusk.

Paspsort Health locations carry kits specifically designed to help prevent mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease. Be sure to take one with you on your next trip.

For more information on mosquito bite prevention methods and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, speak with a travel health specialist by calling or booking online today.

Before 1970, dengue outbreaks were not common. Only nine countries had experience severe dengue epidemics. Since then, the disease has spread globally. An estimated 3.9 milliard people are at risk of dengue infection in 128 countries. The countries and regions most affected by dengue fever include:

• Southeast Asia – Burma, India, Indonesia
• Western Pacific – Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines
• South Cone – Argentina, Brazil (This region accounts for 64.6% of all dengue cases in the Americas.)
• Andean Mountains – Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
• Central America – Costa Rica, Honduras
• Caribbean Countries – Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic
• North America – Mexico, Southern United States
• Africa – Various portions of the continent have different levels of infections. But, it is generally less than Asia or the Americas.
• Eastern Mediterranean – Egypt, Israel, Libya

If you are planning a trip to any of these regions, be sure to speak with a travel health specialist about your itinerary. Health organisations recommend visiting a travel clinic like Passport Health, before your trip. To find out more ring or book online now.