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Living > Public Health, Safety

Dengue Fever

Before departure, you should learn about the health conditions in the country or countries you plan to visit, your own risk of disease and the steps you can take to prevent illness by visiting a travel health clinic or a physician.

Dengue fever occurs in many tropical and subtropical countries. In recent years the incidence of dengue has increased dramatically. Dengue fever is now prevalent in the Caribbean, Central/South America, Mexico, the South Pacific islands, tropical countries of Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. More than 2.5 billion persons now live in areas where dengue infections can be locally acquired. Unlike malaria, which is predominantly in rural areas, dengue fever is in urban areas.

Unless there is an epidemic in progress, the risk of acquiring dengue by the average tourist is low, perhaps 1 per 1000 travellers for those on short durations.

How is it spread?

Dengue fever is spread by the Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes feed during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas or when it is overcast.

Symptoms

The vast majority of infections (especially <15 years of age) do not experience symptoms. More severe illness is seen with increasing age, or with repeat infections. Typical symptoms, which will appear 3-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, include the sudden onset of:

  • fever
  • severe headache (behind the eyes)
  • muscle and joint pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • flushing of the face, neck and chest
  • maculopapular rash (a large area that is red and has small, clear bumps). The rash appears 3-5 days after the onset of fever and may spread from the body to the arms, legs and face.

In uncomplicated cases, symptoms resolve in five to seven days but fatigue can linger for weeks.

Approximately 1% of those infected with dengue fever develop the more severe disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Treatment

Treatment consists of bed rest, fluid replacement and acetaminophen (for relief of fever). The prognosis in DHF depends on the prevention, early recognition and treatment of shock.

Prevention

No vaccine is available. Reduce your risk by preventing mosquito bites, especially during the daytime and;

  • remain in well-screened areas when possible.
  • wear clothing that adequately covers the arms and legs.
  • apply mosquito repellent; the most effective repellents are those containing DEET.

Any traveller who develops illness with a fever within two weeks of returning from their trip should seek medical attention and let their doctor know where they have been travelling.

This information is intended to provide general health-related information about dengue fever. It is not intended to replace medical consultation at a travel health clinic or by your physician.

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