Dengue Fever Travel Advice

Dengue is a potentially life-threatening viral illness that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It’s prevalent in many tropical regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and South America.

Dengue is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical climates across the world, usually in urban and semi-urban areas. Over the years, the global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically, with about half of the world’s population now at risk.

With so many countries across the world opening their doors to tourists worldwide, Expats and digital nomads traveling to these regions should take precautions to avoid getting infected with the virus, especially those planning to travel to Latin America or Southeast Asia. In this article, we’ll provide practical advice on how to prevent dengue while traveling.

What Is Dengue Fever and What Are Its Symptoms?

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, transmitted to humans by the Aedes mosquito. The virus causes flu-like symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

In some cases, dengue can be life-threatening. The symptoms of dengue usually appear within 4 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of dengue include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

Note that, in severe cases, dengue can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal. Dengue hemorrhagic fever causes bleeding, low blood platelet count, and damage to blood vessels. Dengue shock syndrome can cause severe drops in blood pressure, shock, and even death.

It is also important for you to be aware of other viruses and diseases that are spread by mosquitoes that you need to know about. Find more information on mosquito-borne diseases here.

Is Dengue Fever Contagious?

Dengue is not contagious and cannot directly spread from one person to another. Dengue is spread and transmitted to humans through bites of infected female mosquitoes.

When a mosquito bites a person with dengue, it becomes infected with the virus that causes the disease, and the mosquito can then spread the virus by biting others.

Traveling to Which Country Puts a Person At a Higher Risk for Dengue Fever?

You will likely get dengue in areas with many Aedes mosquitoes, usually found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and more.

In 2022, 4,110,465 dengue cases and 4099 dengue-related deaths were reported. Here is a list of the top 5 countries that reported the highest number of dengue cases:

1. Brazil (2,363,490)
2. Vietnam (367,729)
3. The Philippines (220,705)
4. Indonesia (125,888)
5. India (110,473)

Dengue Fever In The United States

Dengue is not common in the United States; however, the most recent outbreaks occurred in Hawaii, Florida, and Texas. Most of these outbreaks have been small and were limited to small areas.

Since the Aedes mosquito is common in many areas of the United States, local spread of the disease is possible.

How Can You Prevent Dengue Fever While Traveling?

While dengue is a high-risk disease, it can be cured within a few weeks with proper care and treatment. However, prevention is better than cure, and here are a few ways you can take care of yourself and your loved ones during travel.

Be Aware Of The Dengue Season

Dengue outbreaks typically occur during the rainy season in tropical regions, and some areas are more prone to the virus than others. Before traveling to any tropical destination, research the local weather patterns,

Also, be sure to check for any recent dengue outbreaks. Avoid traveling during the peak dengue season and consider postponing your trip if there’s a high risk of infection.

Wear Protective Clothing

For obvious reasons wearing protective clothing can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, so it’s important to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover your skin during these times.

It is also a good idea to use mosquito repellent sprays and lotions and apply them regularly throughout the day. Look for repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Use Mosquito Nets

Cannnot go to bed with mosquito protective clothing? No problem, use mosquito nets, especially if you’re staying in a location with a high risk of dengue. Consider using a mosquito net while you sleep.

Ensure that the net is properly installed and that there are no holes or gaps where mosquitoes can enter. You can also use a mosquito coil or electric mosquito repellent device in your room.

Keep Your Surroundings Mosquito-free

Eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes by keeping your surroundings clean and dry. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so avoid leaving standing water around your accommodation.

Check for any water leaks or areas with poor drainage that could lead to water accumulation. Use mosquito screens on windows and doors, and keep them closed as much as possible.

Learn About Dengue Fever Symptoms

Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe, including high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the severity of the illness.

Get Vaccinated

There is currently no vaccine for dengue available in the United States, but some countries have approved the use of the dengue vaccine. If you’re traveling to a region where the vaccine is available, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated before you go.

What Happens If A Tourist Gets Sick With Dengue Abroad?

You should be prepared if you are traveling to a country with prevalent mosquito-borne illnesses. Learn about the local hospitals and make a list. Note that your medical provider will prescribe a urine/blood test to determine the virus you are down with.

Since dengue is common in most travel destinations, it is a smart choice to secure medical insurance while you are abroad. There are comprehensive health insurance plans that are designed for expats, serious travelers, and digital nomads.

If you are visiting or traveling for a short time, consider securing a travel insurance plan that could cover the cost of your illness and medical emergencies on your trips.

Treatment For Dengue

Currently there is no one specific medicine to treat dengue. However, you can treat the various symptoms of the illness – if you have the symptoms, please reach out to your closest healthcare provider for treatment.

Conclusion

While the risk of dengue is generally low, travelers should be aware of the current dengue situation for any region they plan to visit. And also take precautions such as, using mosquito repellent, protective clothing and etc.

Curious to learn more about common diseases while traveling abroad? Check out our most recent article, here.

Another important precaution you should consider in securing is a health insurance. If you are planning to travel to Thailand or any other destination, Pacific Prime has comprehensive plans for you.

Get in touch with of Pacific Prime’s insurance experts today to get a FREE quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you travel with dengue?

Even if you feel fine and not experiencing any symptoms, if you are returning from an area with a high risk of dengue, it’s a good idea to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks. By doing so you could stop a potential spread to other people.

How many days should I rest for dengue?

Typically the symptoms last for about 2-7 days and most people recover from dengue after a week. So, give yourself 7-10 days to feel better. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor for the different ways you can nurse yourself through the illness.

Should I isolate if I have dengue?

Since dengue is spread from one person to another through mosquitoes, infected people in dengue-prone areas should be advised to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes for at least 12 days from the onset of the illness to avoid spreading the virus.