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Top Risks for Dengue Fever and Preventative Measures to Take

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the usual suspect when it comes to the transmission of dengue fever, one of the most prevalent viral diseases in tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. People who live or have traveled to parts of Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, northern Australia and India have a decent chance of developing the disease.

The risk of exposure to dengue fever is mainly through the bite of the mosquito and danger varies from season to season, usually following rainy seasons. Dengue is not just a rural or impoverished disease. As the mosquitoes that carry the dengue germ love to breed in man-made containers and areas filled with water, you could run into a mosquito bite in the middle of a city or town.

While dengue fever is a lingering presence in many tropical and sub-tropical rural and poor areas, there are also reported outbreaks virtually every year that are significant enough to alter the local economy and travel to these areas. In 2007 alone, Paraguay, Singapore, French Polynesia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil and several more countries had outbreaks of the disease.

Symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe. In cases where the person's immune system is compromised or medical attention was not sought early enough, fatal hemorrhaging can occur. Typically symptoms start with severe headaches and fever. There is also pain behind the eyes as if the eye socket were throbbing. Muscle pain, rashes and joint aches are additional symptoms that may occur. While death is not the norm, medical attention is needed at the early onset so that the odds fall into your favor.

Because dengue fever presents many symptoms that also occur with other similar tropical diseases, a blood test is often needed to confirm the disease. Malaria and Chikungunya fever are two diseases that also could be possibilities. While you would never be 100% protected against the disease, there are precautions you can take to greatly reduce your risk of dengue fever and increase your odds of staying healthy during your trip abroad as there are no vaccines to inoculate yourself.

Limit the amount the exposed skin during your trip by wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts. The shirt should be tucked into the pants and the pants into your socks and encased in boots, particularly when hiking or traveling in rural areas. Spray any exposed skin with a Picaridin or DEET-based repellent.

Use an insecticide to treat the mosquito netting around your bed as well as the bedding itself. Air conditioning and screened in areas are optimal. Stay indoors from dusk to dawn as this is the favored time for mosquitoes in looking for a blood meal from a human or animal host. Finally, stay away from standing water and other areas that are perfect breeding grounds for the mosquito.

Always check travel reports to the countries you plan to visit before leaving. That way, you will know if you need to stock up on any medications to help possible illness. All of the tips above can greatly help in keeping you healthy during and after your trip.