How Can Dengue Fever Be Prevented?
- No dengue vaccine is available. Some candidate vaccines have been developed but it will take at least 5 to 10 years to have a good tetravalent vaccine, one that can protect against all four dengue serotypes.
- No preventative medicines for dengue are available.
- Mosquito control through community efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sources is a good way to prevent dengue but requires community awareness. Try to get rid of standing water of any quantity in your yard and your neighbor’s: Aedes mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of standing water. Plates under potted plants, puddles, and water accumulated in tires are some infamous mosquito breeding grounds.
- Systematic spraying was used in the early 1970s but that has been stopped in most countries. Now spraying is only done during outbreaks.
- Biological control is in the experimental stage with some small scale experiences.
- Individual protection against mosquitoes. This means: applying an effective mosquito repellent on exposed skin when outdoors and wearing light-colored insect-proof clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Please be aware that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are adept at flying up underneath pant legs and skirts, so apply insect repellent to all exposed skin. The home should be regularly fumigated, air-conditioned and screens should be on windows and doors if these are to be left open. Although Aedes are day biters, it’s a good idea to nap and sleep underneath a mosquito net.
What to Take in Your Travel Bag to Prepare for Dengue Fever
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) for fever reduction
- Oral rehydration salts to mix with clean drinking water to help stay properly hydrated
- Effective insect repellent
- Proper clothing and footwear for avoiding insect bites
- Treated mosquito net
- Health insurance contact numbers in case a medical evacuation is necessary.
- Basic vocabulary to communicate illness in the language of your host country. In Spanish:
- Dengue fever: Simply called dengue pronounced, DANG-gay.
- Headache: dolor de cabeza pronounced DOH-lore day cah-BAY-sah
- Vomit: Vomita pronounced VOH-mee-tah
- Pain: Dolor pronounced DOH-lore
- Fever: Fiebre pronounced Fee-Eh-bray
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control. Division of Vector Borne Diseases. Dengue Fever. Retrieved on July 28, 2007.
Heymann, David (2004.) Control of communicable diseases manual. Washington D.C.: American Public Health Association.