Dengue (breakbone fever)
Dengue is a viral infection which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms of dengue include the abrupt onset of fever, shivering, severe headache (especially behind the eyes), and often characteristic muscle and joint pains. This is why it is also known as ‘breakbone fever’. People with dengue generally get better on their own and recover within a few days, but in some cases, the infection develops into severe dengue. This is called dengue hemorrhagic fever and can become life-threatening if not treated.
PLEASE NOTE: A vaccine against dengue has been on the Dutch market since April 2023. Due to unexpectedly high demand, the dengue vaccination will be available worldwide to a limited extent as of August 15, 2024. This means that you may not be able to be vaccinated against dengue even though the vaccine is recommended for your trip. In addition to vaccination, you can also take other measures to prevent infection. You can read what these are at the bottom of this article.
Where?
Dengue occurs in all tropical regions and especially in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Every year, more than two billion people from 100 countries are at risk of infection.
How?
The infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, in particular the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). These mosquitoes bite during daylight hours and can also transmit the chikungunya and Zika viruses. These mosquitoes are found in areas close to human habitation. They breed in water-filled containers such as old car tires, empty cans, barrels, buckets, flower vases, gutters, etc.
What?
There are two types of infection. Dengue fever is a flu-like illness, with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, and red skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is the more severe type. In those cases, bruising, bleeding nose or gums, restlessness, and thirst will then occur, in addition to the symptoms already mentioned. Furthermore, hemorrhage and shock can occur. This can be fatal. Dengue hemorrhagic fever with shock occurs almost exclusively in travelers who have previously had dengue.
What you can do
The mosquitoes that transmit dengue bite during the day, between sunrise and sunset. Make sure you protect yourself from bites in the meantime:
- Wear as much covering clothing as possible.
- Use a mosquito repellent on uncovered skin that contains at least 30% DEET or a mosquito repellent with Icaridin.
- Keep your room free of mosquitoes and always use a mosquito net if available.
- Use a mosquito net during the afternoon rest and for babies. Are you in a malaria area? Then definitely use the mosquito net at night as well.
- A vaccine against dengue has been available since April 2023.