How to Prevent Dengue Fever

/ General / By
Dengue fever is a common disease caused by a virus that humans get by being bitten by infected mosquitoes (usually Aedes aegypti). The disease is prevalent in the Caribbean, Central America, and South Central Asia. Symptoms of dengue include fever, severe headache, pain behind the eye (retro-orbital eye pain), joint and muscle pain, and rash. Sometimes dengue fever is a mild illness, but it can be severe and even cause dengue hemorrhagic (bleeding) fever (DHF) which can be fatal if not treated.

Know the enemy: Aedes mosquitoes, the main type of mosquito that spreads dengue. Mosquito breeding sites include artificial water containers such as discarded tires, uncovered water storage barrels, buckets, flower vases or pots, cans, and cisterns.

Know the time dengue mosquitos bite: The dengue mosquito has two peak periods of biting activity: in the morning for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon for several hours before dark. Nevertheless, the mosquito may feed at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when it is overcast
Know which geographies have dengue. Many tropical countries in Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, South and Central America, northeastern Australia, and Africa. After 56 years of absence, dengue has also resurfaced in Hawaii. Unlike malaria, dengue is often transmitted in urban as well as in rural areas.
Avoid getting mosquito bites:

  • Use insect repellent on uncovered skin surfaces when outdoors, especially during the day. When using sunscreen, apply it before insect repellent.
    • Repellents containing 30% to 50% DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are recommended for adults and children over 2 months of age and effective for several hours. Repellents with lower amounts of DEET offer shorter-term protection and must be applied more often.
    • Repellents containing up to 15% picaridin, which must be applied often, are available in the US. Repellents with higher concentrations of picaridin may be available in some regions outside the US.
  • Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.
  • Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
    • Clothing may also be sprayed with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for greater protection. (Remember: don’t use permethrin on skin.)
  • If traveling in dengue infested areas, stay in hotels or resorts that are well screened or air conditioned and take measures to reduce the mosquito population.

CAUTION: No vaccine is available to prevent dengue, and there is no specific medicine to cure people who are sick with dengue. Those who become ill with dengue fever can be offered medications (acetaminophen) to reduce fever and may require oral rehydration or intravenous fluids and in severe cases, treatment to support their blood pressure.