How can I protect myself from Dengue fever?
September 14, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Konrad Zellmann
Dear Doctor of Tropical Medicine,
My name is Norbert Freudenberger and I am reaching out to you because I recently learned from a friend who contracted Dengue fever after a vacation in a tropical country. This has made me very concerned, as I am soon planning a trip to a tropical area myself and would like to learn about the best measures to protect myself from Dengue fever.
I am currently very worried that I could become infected with this dangerous virus during my stay. I have heard that Dengue fever is transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes and that there is no specific treatment or vaccine against it. Therefore, I am wondering how I can effectively protect myself from Dengue fever to minimize the risk of infection as much as possible.
I have already read about mosquito repellents and appropriate clothing that are supposed to protect against bites. However, I am unsure if these measures are sufficient to protect me from Dengue fever. Are there any other protective measures that I should take? How can I most effectively avoid being bitten by the transmitting mosquitoes?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with specific tips and advice on how I can best protect myself from Dengue fever. I want to embark on my journey without any worries and feel safe, so I am very interested in doing everything in my power to prevent an infection.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Best regards,
Norbert Freudenberger
Dear Mr. Freudenberger,
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in effective protection measures against Dengue fever during your planned trip to a tropical area. It is understandable that you are concerned, especially after hearing about your friend's illness. Dengue fever is indeed transmitted by the bite of the day-active Aedes mosquito, and there is no specific treatment or vaccine against it. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to protect yourself as best as possible from infection.
Among the most important protection measures are indeed wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants to protect the skin from mosquito bites. Additionally, the use of mosquito repellents on the skin and clothing is recommended. Make sure that the repellent contains the active ingredient DEET or Icaridin, as these are particularly effective against mosquitoes. Apply the repellent regularly and renew it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Furthermore, you should try to avoid mosquito bites by staying in well-enclosed spaces or sleeping with mosquito nets. Make sure the nets are intact and do not have any holes through which mosquitoes could enter. It is also advisable to use mosquito repellent room sprays or plugs to reduce the mosquito population in your location.
It is important to mention that none of these measures can provide a 100% guarantee against Dengue fever, but they can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If you notice symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, body aches, rash, or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, it is important to consistently implement preventive measures to protect yourself as best as possible from Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. I hope these tips are helpful to you and wish you a safe and enjoyable trip to the tropical area.
Best regards,
Konrad Zellmann
