Dengue Fever

There is  currently no vaccine for this so...Use Repellant.

Dengue Fever is a viral disease spread by day biting mosquitoes, which occurs in tropical areas such as South East Asia, India, the Caribbean, Central America, parts of South America and Central Africa.

Dengue Fever has an incubation period commonly of 5-8 days. Initial symptoms resemble the flu, with a sudden high fever, chills and severe aches in the head, back and limbs. A sore throat, confinement to bed and depression also occur, as may red sore eyes and flushing of the skin. Then after 3-4 days the symptoms tend to lapse for a day or so before the fever enters a second phase, with similar, usually milder symptoms accompanied by a rash which begins on the hands and feet and may spread to most areas of the body, but rarely the face. Fatalities are rare with this disease, but convalescence is very slow, even with medication, and complications such as pneumonia can occur.

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is a dangerous and potentially fatal strain of the virus, which causes internal bleeding. Immediate medical treatment must be sought if Dengue Fever is suspected, to ensure prompt treatment if haemorrhagic symptoms occur. This is much more common if the person has had Dengue Fever previously.

Dengue carrying mosquitoes are most active during the day. Unfortunately, there is presently no vaccination protection against dengue fever. A traveller's best defenses against the disease are awareness of the risks and sensible precautions against mosquito bites.

The scientists are working on a vaccine too!