In the course of ten months since the beginning of 2019, 42 people have lost their lives to dengue fever and health experts’ characteristic the lower death rate to better accessibility of observation and therapeutic measures.

However, the death rate caused by dengue is expected to be lesser than that compared to 2011 when 370 people lost their lives to the painful disease.

About the virus:
Dengue is a viral infection caused by four types of viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4) belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The viruses are transmitted through the bite of contaminated Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus female mosquitoes that feed both inside and outside during the daytime (from sunrise to sunset). These mosquitoes flourish in the areas with stagnant water, including puddles, water tanks, holders and old tires. Absence of proper sanitation and regular trash collection additionally add to the spread of the mosquitoes.

Risk
Danger of Dengue exists in tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. All travelers are at risk during the disease outburst. People who are regular travelers and those who volunteer for humanitarian purposes visit areas where Dengue is widespread are at higher risk. Dengue happens in urban and rural settings with higher transmission rates occurring during the rainy season.

Symptoms
Now and again, Dengue virus is asymptomatic – people don't show symptoms. Those with side effects get sick between 4 to 7 days after the bite. The disease is described by flu-like symptoms that include an abruptly high fever coming in independent waves, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and extreme cerebral pain, along with a skin rash with red spots. Treatment includes a strong consideration of side effects. There is no antiviral treatment accessible as of now.
The condition may progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). Symptoms include serious stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, bruising, and uncontrolled bleeding. High fever can last from 2 to 7 days. Complications can result in failure and shock of circulatory system, and even can be deadly (otherwise called Dengue Shock Syndrome).
If you have been infected with a similar Dengue virus serotype you develop immunity for the future infections. Still, if you are infected later with a different type, immunity decreases over time which may increase the risk of developing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Dengue is related to Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, West Nile Virus, and Japanese Encephalitis. It tends to be misdiagnosed for Chikungunya, Zika Virus, or Yellow Fever.

Prevention
Travelers should take careful measures to prevent mosquito bites during the daytime.

• Apply a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on uncovered skin. Re-apply as indicated by the producer's directions.
• Wear neutral-colored (beige, light dim) clothes. It is suggested to wear long-sleeved, breathable clothing.
• If possible, spray clothes and equipment with permethrin.
• Dispose of water containers around houses and make sure that entryway and window screens work appropriately.
• Apply sunscreen initially followed by the repellents (ideally 20 minutes later).
• A vaccine is accessible for individuals living in some Dengue endemic countries yet isn't economically accessible for travelers.

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