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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Mosquito and Fly Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #205632
Title: Dengue Fever

Author
item Clark, Gary
item BEATTY, MARK - PED. DENGUE VACCINE INST.

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2007
Publication Date: 3/25/2008
Citation: Beatty, M.E., Clark, G.G. 2008. Dengue Fever. Pp. 133-140. In: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Infomration for International Travel. US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Atlanta.

Interpretive Summary: None.

Technical Abstract: “Dengue Fever” will be included in “Health Information for International Travel, 2007-2008” which will be published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are viral diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world where 2.5 billion persons are at risk of acquiring dengue infections. International visitors traveling to these areas are at a variable risk for acquiring dengue infections. This situation results in the annual detection of numerous cases in travelers returning to the U.S. Symptoms of dengue infections include: high fever, severe headache, and joint and muscle pain. Specific laboratory tests of the patient’s blood are required to confirm if a dengue virus caused the illness. Since there is no vaccine for preventing dengue, the focus on prevention in travelers includes minimizing the contact with the mosquito vector through modification in daily activities, wearing of long-sleeve shirts and pants, or use of personal repellents. Acetaminophen products are recommended for managing fever while use of acetylsalicyclic acid (aspirin) should be avoided.