The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel advisories for countries with high exposure risk to Dengue Fever.
According to Travel and Leisure, this means travelers in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and other warm and humid regions should beware of exposure. The CDC’s official Global dengue travel notice currently includes warnings for countries including: Brazil, Colombia, Comoros, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sudan and Tonga.
According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately half the world’s population live in climates primed for Dengue transmission. However, not all countries with dengue transmission are included on the list. The advisory states “Dengue can become severe within a few hours,” and advises those who think they might have a severe case to seek emergency medical care.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas. Those affected by the virus are at greater risk of developing severe disease. Symptoms include high fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, and in serious cases, severe bleeding and shock. The virus can be life threatening. Common treatments include fluids and pain-relievers for mild cases. There is no cure for the disease.
So what does this mean for travelers to these regions? Exercising increased caution in high risk regions means wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and sleeping in air conditioned rooms that have screened windows.
Stacey Rizza, a Mayo Clinic Infectious Diseases expert advised in a new release that hydration is key to recovery. She also recommends the use of acetaminophen to treat dengue fever.
Mosquitos, namely the Aedes aegypti mosquito are those mostly responsible for transmission. These are known to bite during the day and at night. However, dengue can be transmitted without manifesting in noticeable symptoms. Only one in four people infected will experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
There are some destinations where risk is admittedly higher than others. Consult the CDC’s Traveler’s Health section before you plan your next trip to a tropical or subtropical climate.
