Dengue Fever Fact Sheet

Dengue fever is a viral infection that causes a severe flu-like illness. Main symptoms are fever, intense headache, pain behind the eyes, in the joints and muscles, and rash (usually 3-4 days after fever starts). The fever usually settles in 5-7 days although full recovery may be delayed by fatigue and depression.

There are four strains of dengue fever. Recovery from infection will provide long term protection against that specific strain. However, those with a history of previous infection are thought to be at increased risk of bleeding complications (dengue haemorrhagic fever) if they contract a subsequent dengue infection. In severe cases death can occur; this is very rare in travellers.

How do you catch dengue fever? Dengue fever is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This mosquito bites mainly during the daytime, unlike the malaria carrying mosquitoes which bite at dusk and overnight. Epidemics can occur in both urban and rural areas. Dengue is found in many countries of the tropics, with a high incidence in Asia, South East Asia, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Incubation period: 3-14 days (usually 4-7).

Z Drive, Leaflets 2009, Travel 06/01/09 Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and confirmed by specific blood tests.

Prevention: There is currently no vaccine available to protect against dengue fever, although one is currently being developed. Prevention of dengue fever therefore depends on avoiding mosquito bites. Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin and consider treating cotton clothing, wrist and ankle bands with repellents containing DEET (avoid use on plastics and artificial fibres).

Treatment: There is no specific treatment for dengue fever but rest and painkillers can help relieve the symptoms (aspirin is generally avoided).

This information is produced by MASTA as a general guide to be used in conjunction with advice from your doctor or nurse. To obtain a health brief tailored to your journey, visit a MASTA associated travel clinic or call the travellers health line on 0906 822 4100 (calls cost 60p/min, average call 4-5 minutes).

Z Drive, Leaflets 2009, Travel 06/01/09