What measures can I take to protect myself from dengue fever?
May 30, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Kock
Dear Doctor,
My name is Christian Hagedorn and I am reaching out to you as I am planning a trip to a tropical country in the near future and would like to get information about possible protection measures against Dengue fever. I am a healthy 35-year-old man who has not had any serious health issues so far.
I have heard that Dengue fever is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Since I will be spending a lot of time outdoors during my trip, I am concerned about contracting Dengue fever. I would like to know what measures I can take to protect myself as best as possible from this disease.
I have already heard that wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying insect repellent can be helpful. Are there any other measures I can take to minimize the risk of infection? Are there any specific medications that can be taken preventively? Should I get vaccinated before the trip or are there other protective measures I should consider?
I want to prepare for my trip as best as possible and therefore would like to receive comprehensive information on how to protect myself from Dengue fever. Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Christian Hagedorn
Dear Christian Hagedorn,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding protection against dengue fever on your planned trip to a tropical country. It is very important to educate yourself about the risks and preventive measures of this disease in order to protect your health during the trip.
Dengue fever is actually transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes mosquito. The disease is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including popular travel destinations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Symptoms of dengue fever may include fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. In severe cases, the disease can be life-threatening, especially if it leads to dengue hemorrhagic fever.
To protect yourself from dengue fever, various measures are advisable. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin are important protective measures to avoid mosquito bites. It is also recommended to use mosquito nets over sleeping areas and stay in accommodations with air conditioning, as mosquitoes are less active when it is cool.
Furthermore, there is no specific preventive medication for dengue fever as there is no vaccine. However, it is important to be aware that mosquito activity is highest during the day, so it is advisable to take precautions especially in the morning and evening hours.
It is also important to pay attention to warnings and recommendations from local health authorities and avoid potential mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water in containers or puddles.
Overall, it is important to take a combination of different protective measures to minimize the risk of dengue fever infection. If you experience symptoms of dengue fever during or after the trip, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
I hope this information helps you in preparing for your trip. If you have any further questions or need more information, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Ralf Kock, Tropical Medicine Specialist
