A few weeks ago (July 8, 2007,) Reuters reported that the rising number of incidents of Dengue Fever in Viet Nam were causing concern. As of July 8th the disease had taken the lives of 27 Vietnamese people. It had also infected over 20,000 people in the first half of 2007, which is 23% more cases than last year. A warden message was issued by the United States Embassy in Hanoi on July 11, 2007 to notify Americans of the situation and offer ideas on how to keep safe. The following information was gathered from the Embassy's message.

Dengue Fever is transmitted by mosquito, so preventing mosquito bites is the only way to prevent transmission. It is most common during the rainy season of July and August. The Aedes mosquitos that carries the fever prefer shady areas and cooler times of day (morning and evening), and can be more of a threat when the weather is overcast.

Symptoms:

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  Acute onset of high fever
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  Intense headache
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  Possible rash


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  Fatigue


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  Severe muscle and joint aches and pains that last several days to a week or more

There is no vaccine or medication for Dengue Fever. Again, it is imperative to protect yourself and your family from being bitten. Here are some suggestions to prevent mosquito bites:

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  Avoid containers containing standing water that do not have lids (including planters or anything that may have collected water)
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  Stay away from gardens/foliage
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  Stay in properly screened, air conditioned buildings
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  Wear clothing that covers your skin as much as possible. Tucking in your shirts and pants and wearing closed toe shoes will lower your risk of being bit.
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  Wear clothing with Permethrin in the fabric (sold at many outdoors stores) and/or apply Permethrin to your clothing and shoes. It lasts for 5 washings and is not intended for use on skin.
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  Use mosquito nets over beds if your room is not mosquito-proofed and over baby strollers
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  Use an insect repellant containing DEET. For more information about DEET and precautions to take when using it, click here.
  

If you are presently in Viet Nam, purchase the insect repellant Sofell which contains a 15% DEET concentration and must be reapplied every 4 to 6 hours.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Dengue Fever can be treated with:

• Fluids
• Rest
• Antipyretics (avoid aspirin)
• Monitor blood pressure, hematocrit, platelet count, level of consciousness
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  Continue monitoring after defervescence
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  If any doubt, provide intravenous fluids, guided by serial hematocrits, blood pressure, and urine output. The volume of fluid needed is similar to that needed in the treatment of diarrhea with mild to moderate isotonic dehydration (5-8% deficit).

Please see the Embassy's message for more links about Dengue Fever.

Related Reading:
Cambodian News: Dengue and HIV/AIDS

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