Dengue Fever, Traveler's Alert
While visiting tropical and subtropical regions of the world, travelers are
reminded to take steps to prevent dengue fever, a serious mosquito-borne
disease. Anywhere dengue occurs, the risk of infection for the international
traveler is low as compared to resident local populations. This is because of
the limited time travelers are exposed and the likelihood they will stay in
hotels or resorts that are air conditioned and where measures are actively taken
to reduce the mosquito population, such as spraying insecticide. However,
travelers may become infected with dengue during visits to all tropical and
subtropical regions of countries in Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean
Islands, Mexico, Central and South America, and Africa, especially if an
outbreak is in progress. The viruses that cause dengue are constantly
circulating in these areas, many of which have had multiple epidemics. The risk
for contracting dengue is greater in urban areas and lower in rural areas and
areas at high altitude (above 4,500 feet [1500 meters]). Persons infected with
dengue are at low risk of developing the severe form of the disease, dengue
hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). No vaccine is available for
dengue, which is transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes. Travelers can protect
themselves by using insect repellent containing up to 50% DEET and taking other
measures to decrease their exposure to mosquito bites.
Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), a more severe form of the
disease, are viral diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Signs and symptoms
of dengue fever include severe headache, fever, and rash. Dengue is rarely
fatal, but DHF can have a case-fatality rate of 1 to 5%.
Applying insect repellents containing 25% to 35% N, N-diethylmetatoluamide
(DEET) on the skin, being sure to avoid the face and to follow label directions
for use on children (no more than 10% DEET). Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long
pants, and hats to minimize areas of exposed skin when outdoors in areas where
mosquitoes are active. Applying repellents to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito
netting, and other gear will enhance protection. Using air conditioning and
screening windows and doors to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes
indoors. Additionally, not allowing water to collect in outdoor or indoor
containers, where mosquitoes tend to breed, will diminish the numbers of
mosquitoes in circulation.
State and local health authorities are responding by eliminating mosquito
breeding sites, spraying insecticide, and increasing public education activities
in areas affected by dengue. CDC and local health authorities have increased
surveillance activities for the disease.
For more, please visit the following areas:
Portions of the above information was provided with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control.
Last Editorial Review: 8/6/2003
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