How can one protect oneself from dengue fever?
July 27, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Sofia Schmidt
Dear Doctor,
My name is Jonas Schulze and I am reaching out to you because I have been traveling to tropical regions more frequently in recent years and am concerned about protecting myself from Dengue fever.
I have heard that Dengue fever is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and that it is common in many tropical and subtropical countries. As I travel to such regions often for both work and personal reasons, I am worried about contracting this virus.
So far, I have mainly protected myself from mosquito bites by wearing long clothing and using insect repellents. However, I am wondering if there are other measures I can take to reduce the risk of Dengue fever infection. Are there any specific vaccinations, for example, that I should consider? Or are there other preventive measures I can take?
I am aware that there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Dengue fever and that the symptoms of the disease can be very unpleasant. Therefore, it is important to me to take proactive measures and implement appropriate protective measures.
Please provide me with recommendations on how I can effectively protect myself from Dengue fever so that I can continue to enjoy my travels to tropical regions without constant worry.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Jonas Schulze
Dear Jonas Schulze,
Thank you for your message and your interest in preventing Dengue fever during your travels to tropical regions. It is understandable that you are concerned, as Dengue fever is indeed a serious health risk in many tropical and subtropical countries. Below, I will provide you with some recommendations on how to effectively protect yourself from Dengue fever.
As you mentioned, Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes mosquito. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Wearing long clothing and using insect repellent are good measures to avoid mosquito bites. Additionally, you can also use mosquito nets over your sleeping area to be protected at night.
Regarding vaccines, there is currently no specific vaccine against Dengue fever. However, there is a vaccine called Dengvaxia that is approved in some countries for individuals aged 9 to 45 years. This vaccine does not provide one hundred percent protection against Dengue fever and should only be considered after consulting with a doctor.
Another preventive measure is to avoid standing water, as mosquito larvae breed there. Therefore, make sure there are no water collections in your surroundings. Additionally, you can also use special mosquito repellents containing DEET or Picaridin to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
It is also important to be aware that the symptoms of Dengue fever can be nonspecific and timely diagnosis can be difficult. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, rash, and in severe cases, bleeding. If you develop symptoms during or after a trip to a Dengue-endemic area, seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, it is important to take a combination of measures to effectively protect yourself from Dengue fever. By wearing appropriate clothing, using insect repellents, avoiding standing water, and possibly getting vaccinated with Dengvaxia, you can reduce your risk of Dengue fever infection.
I hope these recommendations are helpful to you and that you can continue to enjoy your travels to tropical regions. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sofia Schmidt, Tropical Medicine Specialist
