A tropical holiday always reminds me of white sandy beaches, rainforests, colourful cocktails and sunbaked adventures. But as you pack your swimsuits, sunscreens and sunglasses, one thing that most travellers forget to pack is dengue fever protection.
Mosquitoes spread dengue fever—also called breakbone fever because of its intense muscle and joint pains—which has become pandemic in many tropical and subtropical areas. This affects countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean particularly. When such areas are your holiday destination, dengue precautions must be as much of a priority as lugging your passport.
What is Dengue Fever?
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary cause of dengue fever, and it is mostly active during the day. There is no mosquito that carries malaria, but these minute insects are daytime biters and can easily attack in the early morning and late afternoon.
The symptoms typically start four to 10 days after the bite and may include:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
In severe cases, dengue may develop into dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening. Regrettably, it has no particular antiviral treatment, and therefore prevention is of utmost importance.
Why Dengue Protection Is Important on Holiday.
When you are travelling, you are usually out in the sun sightseeing or doing other outdoor activities. This exposes you to mosquitoes. Moreover, most dengue outbreaks occur during warmer and rainy seasons; this is exactly when people are travelling to tropical areas.
A case of dengue will entirely ruin your vacation as you spend your days in bed with a high temperature, soreness, and fatigue. Worse still, residual exhaustion may linger after you recover and turn what should have been a relaxing trip into an ordeal.
Simple Ways to Keep Yourself Safe.
The silver lining is that you can defend yourself against dengue with some preventive measures. Here are things that you must remember before and during your tropical vacation:
1. Wear strong mosquito repellent.
Select a repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it abundantly to exposed areas of the skin, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants offer physical protection against bites. Colours that are neutral, such as beige, khaki or white, are not as appealing to mosquitoes as dark colours.
3. Sleep Under a Mosquito Net
A mosquito net is likely to save your life unless your accommodation has good screening or air conditioning. Use insecticide-treated nets as protection.
4. Keep in mosquito-proof accommodation.
Select guest rooms or lodges that have air conditioning and are screened. This will greatly lower your exposure during your stay inside.
5. Be aware of peak mosquito times.
Dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active in early mornings and late afternoons. This is where additional precaution can go a long way towards reducing your risk.
6. Consider the Dengue Vaccine
A dengue vaccine is available to travellers visiting high-risk regions in some countries. See your GP or travel health clinic a few weeks before leaving to discuss whether it is appropriate.
How to act in case you suspect dengue.
In case you develop a high fever and flu-like symptoms during or after your holiday, get medical attention immediately. The disease may be resolved through early detection to avoid complications. Note, aspirin or ibuprofen, even self-medication, is not recommended, as these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding related to dengue.
Ensuring Your Holiday Is Still Remembered – The Right Way.
Any tropical vacation ought to be filled with adventure, leisure, and experience – not fighting a disease that can be prevented. Dengue fever protection is an important part of your trip, as that way you have the highest possible chance of having a good time.
Then, when you are making your escape plans to Bali, the Maldives, the Caribbean or just about any other place, keep in mind this easy travel list: a hat to keep your skin safe, a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes, and an anti-mosquito to protect your health.
Once you are in good health, feeling refreshed and with the freedom to enjoy the beauty there around you, you most certainly make great memories of the holiday.
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