What is dengue?
Dengue, also known as dengue fever, is caused by the dengue virus. The first symptoms appear within three to 14 days of infection. Generally, a dengue infection progresses without symptoms. When someone does develop symptoms, they are often flu-like symptoms, such as sudden spikes in fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and coughing. These symptoms disappear on their own after a few days to a week. In a small percentage of cases, serious complications develop. The severe form of dengue is also called dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Symptoms associated with it are dot-shaped, dark red spots on the skin (after two to five days) and bleeding of the gums, heart, nose, liver and intestines. If a person loses too much blood because of this, it can lead to shock (dengue shock syndrome) and eventually death.
How do you get dengue and in which countries is it common?
The dengue virus transmits through the bite of (Aedes) mosquitoes. The main types that can carry the virus are the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. The mosquitoes that transmit the virus are mainly active during the day. The dengue virus is primarily found in the (sub)tropics. This includes Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
What can you do to prevent dengue?
A vaccine against dengue is currently being developed. This vaccine will be on the market soon, which means it is not yet available. As vaccination is not (yet) an option, it is important to take proper mosquito protection measures when travelling in high-risk areas. These include wearing clothing that covers you, applying a mosquito repellent such as DEET and sleeping under an (impregnated) mosquito net. Based on your travel plans, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to make an appointment for a personal (travel)consultation? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.