The Center for Travel Medicine in Germany said that dengue fever is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes, especially the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, which are mostly active during the day.
He added that dengue fever is spreading in the tropical regions of South America, Asia and Africa, noting that the infection is currently spreading in Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand.
The incubation period of the disease ranges from 4-7 days, and symptoms include sudden high fever, pain in the extremities, and headache (particularly behind the eyes), in addition to a sunburn-like rash that covers a large area of skin.
Extreme path
The infection may take a severe course because it causes permeability of the small blood vessels, allowing fluid from the tissues to enter the blood.
The severe course of the infection can be indicated by the appearance of symptoms such as persistent vomiting, shortness of breath, bleeding from mucous membranes such as gums, and abdominal pain.
Timely medical care should be received when these symptoms are noticed, since leaving them untreated may lead to death.
Ways of prevention
To prevent infection, vaccination against dengue fever should be received before traveling to endemic areas. This vaccine is called Qdenga, and is suitable for adults and children starting from the age of 4 years.
Mosquitoes can also be kept away from the body by applying mosquito repellent to the skin, while wearing long, light-colored clothes, since mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors.