Traveling to Southeast Asia? Keep an eye out for dengue virus

Traveling to Southeast Asia? Keep an eye out for dengue virus

Is your backpack ready to travel to Southeast Asia? Then don't forget to bring anti mosquito spray. The number of dengue infections in Asia is on the rise. Mosquitoes transmit it and you can get quite sick.

Increase among tourists

A large number of Asian countries are experiencing an increase in the disease dengue. European tourists are also affected by the disease, which is spread through mosquitoes. An increase in dengue can be seen in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines. 
What is dengue?

Dengue, also known as dengue fever, is a virus you can get through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, specifically the yellow-fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Dengue occurs in (sub)tropical areas. Not only in Southeast Asia, but also in Africa,Central and South America and the Caribbean, an infected mosquito can get you.

Precautions

Like malaria, you cannot protect yourself in advance with medication or get vaccinated. Therefore, it is important to take good precautions to prevent dengue. This is because the mosquitoes that carry the virus sting during the day.

Grease well with a mosquito repellent such as anti mosquito spray with sufficient active ingredient. While lubricating, also keep in mind the use of other creams so that it does not interfere with each other. Covering clothing also helps against mosquito bites.

Symptoms dengue virus

How do you know you have the dengue virus? After a mosquito bite, it may take 3 to 14 days before you develop symptoms. With the symptoms below, always contact your doctor and mention that you have been in dengue territory:

Sudden onset fever (up to 41°C) with chills.
Head, muscle and joint pain.
Nausea and vomiting.
Coughing and sore throat.

No aspirins

Should you develop a fever, do not take aspirin before seeing a doctor. Dengue can slightly increase the risk of bleeding, so blood-thinning painkillers are not a good idea then. You may, however, take paracetamol for fever and pain.
Before you go on vacation, always check what the health risks are in that country. What diseases are prevalent and how do you protect yourself against them? 
visit our shop to buy a protective anti-mosquito spray for your trip!
Back to blog