How Is Dengue Fever Transmitted?

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue Fever, sometimes known as Breakbone Fever, is a contagious disease most often spread in tropical areas in India, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Brazil, Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, Venezuela and Guyana. Symptoms include headache, severe joint pain, a bright red rash caused by bursting blood vessels, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Dengue Fever usually lasts about a week, but there is no known treatment to prevent or lessen the symptoms. No vaccine for Dengue Fever is available, but several countries, including Thailand and the United States, have completed animal testing and are testing Dengue Fever immunizations on humans.

Avoid Mosquitoes in the Tropics

Like Malaria, Dengue Fever is transmitted from mosquitoes that live in wet, tropical climates. Every few years, there is a severe outbreak of Dengue Fever somewhere in the world. There are about 40 million cases of Dengue Fever every year, so even if you do not live in a tropical environment, infection is still possible. Tourists and their families are at risk for Dengue Fever because even after many of the symptoms are gone, the fever can still be contagious. Many visitors may act as carriers, returning home with a case of Dengue Fever that they pass along to their families. If you are vacationing in an area where Dengue Fever can be spread, do not share drinks or utensils with anyone, and avoid wet, marshy areas where mosquitoes breed. This will lessen your risk for Dengue Fever, but you will not be 100 percent protected against the disease.

How can Dengue Fever be Prevented?

The most efficient way of preventing Dengue Fever so far is to control the mosquito population and eliminate the mosquitoes that could be carriers of Dengue Fever. The World Health Organization recommends that countries that are susceptible to Dengue Fever should place a larvicide in the water to reduce the number of mosquitoes. Tourists who visit foreign countries with tropical climates should wear bug spray at all times to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquito nets cover some hotel room beds; if yours isn't covered, you may be able to purchase one locally, or, just to be safe, you may want to bring your own mosquito nets and heavy-duty bug spray because sufficient supplies may not be available. If possible, wear heavy clothing and a hat to minimize the amount of exposed skin that attracts mosquitoes.