What Is Dengue Fever and Why Is It a Risk for Travellers?
If you are planning to travel abroad, especially to tropical or subtropical regions, it is important to know about dengue fever. It is a serious illness spread by mosquito bites, and it can make your trip very unpleasant if you are not careful. Let’s look at what dengue fever is, the dengue symptoms you should watch out for, and how to protect yourself when travelling.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, especially early morning and before sunset.
Dengue is common in many parts of the world, including South-East Asia, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and parts of Australia. These are known as dengue risk areas. If you are travelling to these regions, you are at a higher risk of catching the disease.
What Are the Dengue Symptoms?
The dengue symptoms usually start about four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Common signs include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pains
- Feeling extremely tired
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash (known as dengue fever and rash) that can appear a few days after the fever starts
In some cases, dengue can become very serious, leading to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can cause bleeding, low blood pressure, and even be life-threatening. This is why it is so important for travellers to be aware of it.
Why Is Dengue Fever a Risk for Travellers?
Dengue fever in travellers is becoming more common because more people are visiting tropical destinations. If you have not been exposed to dengue before, you are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Plus, the local mosquitoes will see you as an easy target.
Another problem is that there is no specific treatment for dengue. Doctors can only manage the symptoms, such as giving fluids and pain relief. If you get sick while travelling, you may end up needing hospital care, which can be difficult and expensive abroad.
How Can You Prevent Dengue Fever?
Dengue prevention is all about avoiding mosquito bites. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin. Choose one that contains DEET.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially during the day.
- Sleep under a mosquito net if your accommodation is not well protected.
- Stay in places with air conditioning or good screens on doors and windows.
- Remove standing water around where you are staying, as mosquitoes breed in still water.
Should You Worry About Dengue in the UK?
Currently, dengue is not a major threat inside the UK itself. However, with climate change and increased travel, there is a slight chance that dengue could spread more widely in future. For now, it remains mostly a concern when travelling to dengue risk areas. If you think you might have caught dengue after travelling, it is important to seek medical advice quickly.
Stay Protected Before You Travel!
Planning a trip to a tropical country? Protect yourself from serious illnesses like dengue fever. Book an appointment at S&S Chemists for expert travel health advice and the necessary vaccines before you fly. Our trained professionals will help you prepare for a safe and healthy journey. Don’t let mosquito bites ruin your holiday — stay one step ahead! Contact S&S Chemists today to book your travel health consultation!