About Dengue Fever & Mosquitoes

Dengue fever is a viral disease that is spread by the mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti type. Often found in regions located in the tropics and subtropics, dengue fever is a concern for travelers to such regions. With proper preparation and in-country techniques, travelers can increase their chances of avoiding the Aedes aegypti mosquito and decrease their risk of contracting dengue fever.

Significance

Dengue fever is caused by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The Aedes aegypti originally appeared in Africa, and can also be found in tropical and subtropical locations worldwide. Also called Steogmyia aegypti or the yellow fever mosquito, these dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes have white marks on their legs and on their thoraxes.

Identification

Symptoms of dengue fever appear between 3 and 15 days after initial transmission by mosquito. Initial symptoms may include fever, headaches, eye pain, chills, shock, backache and joint pain. Patients may experience a rash on the face that appears and disappears, and glands may be sore and inflamed. During the second set of symptoms, which occur after a short respite, a sudden fever may appear, along with a more serious rash and swollen extremities. During the onset of dengue fever, patients may also experience bleeding and bruising.

Time Frame

The mosquitoes that carry dengue fever bite mostly during the daylight hours; travelers are at the highest risk an hour or two after dawn until just after sunset. In order to avoid being bitten, exercise caution at all times when traveling in areas where dengue fever is prevalent.

Prevention/Solution

To avoid being bitten by a dengue fever-carrying mosquito, travelers should exercise caution when traveling in tropic and subtropic regions; in particular, Central America, the Caribbean, Cuba, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Southeast Asia, the West Indies and the South Pacific. Wear long pants and shirts with long sleeves. Use a mosquito repellent containing the chemical DEET and avoid standing or stagnant water. Mosquitoes tend to breed in water left in barrels, puddles, and buckets, but be particularly careful around toilets and showers that may have standing water. To protect yourself from mosquitoes in your hotel or a home, use mosquito netting around your bed and wear repellent at all times.

Considerations

There is no vaccine for dengue fever, although several are under development, with the goal of provision to low-income families in developing nations. Because dengue fever can have serious complications, travelers to affected regions should do all they can to prevent mosquito bites.

Resources

• CDC Dengue Fever

[drchuck]

on 8/19/2009 Dengue fever is not caused by the mosquito, as inferred by this article. It is caused by for strain of a virus. There actually are four different forms of dengue fever. And, a person can get each one at different times. A second infection can be more serious than the initial infection, especially in children, because hemorrhagic responses can be seen. You certainly don't want to be bitten by the mosquito but, it is the virus you don't want to contract. There also is evidence that the virus can be spread by droplet dispersion from coughing and sneezing.