Dengue fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection that causes a severe flu-like illness. It is commonly found in more than 100 countries worldwide and can occur in both rural and urban areas. About half of the world’s population is thought to live in areas with a risk of dengue fever.- Symptoms Fever, intense headache, eye pain, joint pains and a rash - although about 75% of infections are free of symptoms
- How do you catch dengue fever? Dengue fever is transmitted by a mosquito that mainly bites during the daytime.
- Incubation period usually 4 – 7 days
- Diagnosis Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and confirmed by blood tests.
Prevention
Dengue fever is prevented by avoiding mosquito bites, through use of an effective insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting clothing.
Treatment
There is no cure, so treatment consists of nursing care, pain killers and management of any complications.
Did you know?
- There is no vaccine available to protect travellers
- Severe cases can be fatal - but this is very rare in travellers
- There are 4 types of dengue fever; having had one of these can increase the risk of developing severe dengue if infected with another type.