About Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is an acute disease that originates in tropical regions and in Africa. It is caused by four virus microorganisms of the flavivirus type and is also known as "breakbone fever." Dengue fever is given to humans by mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti type and is similar to malaria. Dengue fever is a particular concern for travelers to Southeast Asia, parts of Africa and parts of South America.

Geography

Dengue fever is problematic in the tropics and subtropics. Travelers should be careful when visiting the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the West Indies, and the South Pacific are also areas of concern.

Identification

Dengue fever is best identified in a medical environment. Symptoms appear between three and fifteen days after infection and may include a sudden-onset fever, severe headaches, shock, chills, eye pain, low backache and aching joints. A pink rash on the face may appear and then disappear, and lymph nodes in the body often become swollen and sore. After the initial onset of symptoms, a brief period of normalcy occurs, followed by a second sudden fever. At this point, another rash may cover the entire body, and hands and feet may be swollen and red.

Considerations

Dengue fever is a viral disease, and as such, there is no medicinal treatment to eradicate it. Most treatments for dengue fever involve alleviation of pain and symptoms caused by the virus. People with dengue fever should get rest and be sure that they are consuming an adequate volume of liquid to prevent dehydration.

Prevention/Solution

In order to prevent future outbreaks of dengue fever, infected patients must be kept under protection of mosquito netting to avoid passing the virus along. Dengue fever can further be prevented by controlling the mosquito populations in countries where the virus is problematic. To decrease the risk of contracting dengue fever, travelers to dangerous regions should wear long pants and long sleeves, employ mosquito sprays that contain DEET and limit their exposure to mosquitoes.

Warning

Because the type of mosquito that carries the dengue fever virus bites in the daytime, travelers should be particularly careful to protect themselves. Peak biting times occur around sunrise and sunset. The mosquitoes may collect around standing water and are most common in outdoor areas but may also hide in houses and other buildings. Travelers should take care to protect themselves at all times and in all places to reduce their risk.