What is dengue?
Dengue, also known as dengue fever, is an infectious disease caused by the
dengue virus. The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito (the Aedes mosquito)
transferred.
The Aedes mosquito mainly resides in and around cities. The mosquito mainly stings during the day. The disease
is not transmitted from person to person.
There are 4 types of dengue virus. After experiencing dengue, one is lifelong
protected against the virus type that caused the infection (e.g. type 2) but not
against the other types (types 1, 3 and 4). It is therefore possible to contract dengue multiple times
get.
Where does dengue occur?
Dengue is increasingly prevalent in urban areas in many tropical countries.
Especially during the rainy season, the disease can reach epidemic proportions.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
Dengue/dengue fever usually runs innocently with fever, headache and pronounced
muscle pain and is then indistinguishable from a flu. After a few days, there may be a rash
occur. In rare cases, the disease progresses severely with bleeding. The likelihood of these
severe symptoms is slightly increased if you have already experienced dengue.
How can you prevent dengue?
- Cover the skin as much as possible (long sleeves and trouser legs, socks, closed shoes).
- Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET for the non-covered parts in areas
where dengue is present. For more information on DEET, see the leaflet 'Mosquito repellent on
journey'. - Make sure rooms are mosquito-free or sleep under an intact and tightly closing mosquito net.
Download the leaflet below!
