Dengue Fever on the Rise:
Cases of dengue fever are on the rise in many parts of the world, including Central and South America, and Africa, as well as many parts of Asia. Mexico has also seen a rise in cases of dengue, and the government has taken steps to reduce the spread of the disease, but tourists should also take their own precautions.
What is Dengue Fever?:
Dengue fever is a flu-like illness which is caused by being bitten by an infected mosquito. There are four different but related dengue viruses, and they are most commonly spread by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito (and rarely the Aedes albopictus mosquito), which is found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Symptoms of Dengue:
Symptoms of dengue range from a mild fever to incapacitating high fever accompanied by the following:
- Severe headache, muscle and joint pain
- Rash
- Gastrointestinal problems
Dengue Fever Treatment:
Dengue fever is treated with rest, and acetaminophen to bring down the fever. It is recommended to take in plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Usually symptoms clear up in about two weeks but some people may feel tired and sluggish for several weeks.
How to Avoid Dengue Fever:
There is no vaccine against dengue fever. The illness is avoided by taking preventive measures to avoid insect bites. Mosquito netting and screens on windows are crucial for this, and if you are outdoors in an area with mosquitoes, you should wear clothing that covers your skin and apply insect repellent. Compounds containing DEET (at least 20%) are best, and it's important to reapply the repellent periodically if you are sweating.
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Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever:
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a more severe form of dengue. Persons who have been infected with one or more forms of dengue virus are at greater risk for this more severe form of the disease.
More about Dengue fever and Dengue hemorrhagic fever.
