NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their travel notice this week for Asia and the Pacific Islands with a specific warning about the countries of South Asia and dengue fever.
Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the health agency notes. They specifically highlighted India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka saying these countries are reporting higher-than-usual numbers of dengue cases, and travelers visiting these countries may be at increased risk.
Travelers to areas of risk should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites- using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens or under an insecticide-treated bed net.
Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. The disease can take up to 2 weeks to develop with illness generally lasting less than a week.
Health effects from dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding.
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Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization.
In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and death.
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