Dengue Fever

Dengue symptoms usually appear five to eight days after being bitten and can include fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, a rash and strange taste sensations. A few days after the rash appears, the dengue fever breaks, and recovery begins.

Severe dengue is a haemorrhagic complication of dengue fever that appears more commonly in those who have had dengue fever before. Most cases occur in children aged between three and six years, but adults are also at risk. If travelling with children to high-risk areas, please discuss the risk of dengue fever further with a travel doctor.

Day-biting mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as dengue. A vaccine for tourists is not currently available in Australia, so mosquito bite avoidance is crucial. Apply a personal insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient, such as DEET 30–40%, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD, or picaridin 20%. You should also wear long clothing and treat your clothing and gear with permethrin. If possible, sleep under a mosquito net if the place where you are sleeping does not have adequate mosquito protection.

Treatment is usually supportive, and in most cases, infected people don’t require hospitalisation. If you think you may have dengue fever and are concerned or are very unwell, you should see a doctor.

Here is a list of things you can do if you have symptoms of dengue fever:

• Rest in bed to enable the body to fight the disease.
• Paracetamol is recommended to reduce body temperature and relieve pain.
• Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen must NOT be used with dengue.
• Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration.