Dengue Fever Vaccination

Dengue fever, a viral illness primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, poses a substantial public health threat in numerous tropical and subtropical regions.

This mosquito, active during the day, particularly favours urban settings and areas with open water sources, such as containers filled with rainwater, ponds, and ditches. It is crucial to comprehend the transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of dengue fever to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.

Prevention

Preventing dengue fever primarily involves a combination of mosquito control and personal protective measures. To effectively control mosquitoes, it is important to eliminate potential breeding sites, such as standing water in containers like flower pots, buckets, and tires. The use of insecticides and mosquito nets in areas where Aedes mosquitoes are prevalent further contributes to controlling their population. On a personal level, individuals can protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying mosquito repellents. Whenever possible, staying in air-conditioned or screened-in accommodations adds an extra layer of defence. For those travelling to regions where dengue is endemic, taking additional precautions is essential. Stay informed about local outbreaks and adhere to public health recommendations to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.

Countries at risk

Currently, the disease has attained endemic status in over 100 countries spanning the WHO Regions of Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific. The regions most severely impacted are the Americas, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific, with Asia bearing approximately 70% of the global disease burden

Travel Precautions

Prior to your journey, stay informed about any ongoing Dengue fever outbreaks in your destination, keeping abreast of travel advisories and health recommendations from local authorities and international organisations.
Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes, the Dengue carriers, are most active. Additionally, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed shoes to reduce exposure to mosquito bites. Choose accommodations with air conditioning or proper window and door screens to create a protective barrier against mosquitoes, and consider using bed nets treated with insecticide, particularly in open or rural areas.

Stay vigilant about eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water, and avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk. In case of symptoms like fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, or a rash, seek prompt medical attention and inform healthcare providers about your recent travel history.

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period for dengue fever typically spans from 4 to 10 days following a bite from an infected mosquito. The severity of symptoms varies, and dengue infection manifests in different forms. Mild Dengue Fever, also known as dengue fever, often results in mild symptoms or an entirely asymptomatic experience, such as fever, slight headache, and joint or muscle pain. On the other hand, severe dengue, or Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, presents more intense symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. This severe form can progress to life-threatening complications like severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock. Timely medical attention is crucial, as untreated severe dengue can be fatal; however, with proper medical care, the mortality rate can be reduced to less than 1%.

FAQ's

The dengue fever vaccine is recommended for individuals travelling to or living in areas where dengue is prevalent, especially in parts of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. It’s also advised for people in frequent contact with dengue-infected areas.

The protection offered by the dengue vaccine can last for several years, but the exact duration can vary. Ongoing research is assessing the long-term effectiveness of the vaccine.

Currently, the need for a dengue booster dose is under research. Recommendations may vary based on evolving scientific evidence.

Dengue is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.

The cost of each dengue vaccination dose is £125. Initially, there is an additional appointment fee of £20 which covers time spent with one of our specially trained healthcare professionals who will carry out a risk assessment.

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