Since the start of the year Vietnam has seen at least 10 deaths, Laos 64 fatalities and the Philippines 22 deaths. Thailand is also affected and the Phuket province, a largely tourist area, is listed as the highest ranking area for Dengue outbreaks, Chiang Mai also a common tourist area has recently reported 1800 cases. Outbreaks also increase with the rainy season which is at this time of year.
Dengue fever is spread by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. The WHO estimates that 500,000 people will be hospitalised with the severe form of the disease every year and that 2.5% of these will die and are mainly children.
It is thought that due to global warming that outbreaks are spreading and cases have been reported in France, Croatia and last year there was a large outbreak in Madeira a popular tourist resort for the British traveller.
Unlike malaria mosquitoes who are more commonly found in rural areas, Aedes aegypti is commonly found in urban areas, breeding in small pools of water often found in manmade containers for example tyres. They are daytime biters who will feed on numerous individuals and the risk of being bitten is higher 2-3 hours after dawn and in the early evening just before dusk.
Dengue starts with the onset of a high fever, severe headache, aches, nausea and vomiting, most infections are self-limiting. However the more severe form of the disease which mainly affects children can cause severe bleeding, respiratory distress and organ impairment and if left untreated can result in death.
There is currently no vaccine available but there is currently one in development. The Travel Clinic Ltd says: "Please come into the clinic, where we can discuss your travel needs and advise you on bite avoidance measures. We stock a wide range of repellents, permethrin clothing sprays and nets which should be used to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito. Advice also includes covering skin with loose fitting clothing, long sleeves, trousers and socks and also to wear light colours.
"If you are travelling or planning to travel to South East Asia please come in to discuss other vaccine preventable diseases too. You may also require advice and vaccination against Hepatitis B, Rabies or Japanese Encephalitis among others."
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