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Dengue Fever

Dengue Virus

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical care; and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness.. The information contained here is intended as travel tips for safe travel.

QUICK FACTS:

  • Dengue is a virus spread by mosquitos. There is no vaccine at this time.
  • Dengue / Hemorrhagic Fever cannot be spread form person to person
  • Symptoms include – severe fever that lasts 2 to 7 days, joint pain, headache and persistent vomiting

PREVENTION

At this time there is no vaccine for Dengue / Hemorrhagic Fever; so preventing infection is your only line of defense against contracting the virus.

The best way to avoid infection is by avoiding mosquito bites.

PROTECT YOURSELF

  • The mosquitos that carry the Dengue are active mostly during daylight hours.
    Visitors to St John, the Virgin Islands and the islands throughout the Caribbean can reduce the chances of being bitten and contracting the virus by following these guidelines:
  • Make sure that screens are secure and/or use air conditioning in your home. The use of mosquito bed nets is another line of defense.
  • Empty standing water in and around your home or villa as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitos.
  • Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants for added protection.
  • Use insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon and eucalyptus and/or para-menthane-diol bug sprays.
  • If using with sunscreen – apply the sunscreen first and bug spray last.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying insect repellants.

Symptoms of Dengue and Treatment for Dengue Fever

  • Symptoms usually appear 3-7 days after the mosquito bite.
  • The most common symptoms are fever and joint aches / pain.
  • You may also experience headache, joint swelling muscle aches and rash.

For a complete list of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment please read the CDC’s information on Chikungunya care. Click here for more information on Chickungunya

CDC Dengue Fever Resources

Current CDC Notices for US Virgin Islands including Saint John
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/usvirgin-islands

Healthy Travel Packing List / CDC
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/usvirgin-islands/traveler/packing-list

CDC Dengue Facts
http://www.cdc.gov/dengue/fAQFacts/index.html