Dengue Fever Alert!

"Four cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in the Territory in the past week in people infected while in Bali" (NTnews, 12 June 2014).
"125 dengue cases have been confirmed in Buleleng Regency, Bali" (TribunBali, 3 June 2014)

Aedes aegypti | Source: WHO

Research indicated that Dengue cases showed region-specific peaks, which is June to September for Southeast Asia including Bali. So, Bali is now in the peak season for Dengue Fever!
Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes Aedes aegypti. Symptoms include:

• abrupt onset of high fever lasting two to seven days, that doesn't go down from taking paracetamol or aspirin
• non-specific flu symptoms, such as severe frontal headache, pain behind the eyes and intense muscle and joint pains
• other symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea and, a rash which often generalises as the fever disappears. 
• minor bleeding from nose and gums can occur with the fever.

Acute symptoms last up to 10 days but some people may experience repeated episodes of fever. It is rarely fatal but repeated episodes of dengue fever carry with it the increased possibility of dengue haemorrhagic fever which is a severe disease with a high fatality rate.If you are concerned that you or someone with you might have dengue, go to your local doctor or hospital.

Below are some important information regarding prevention of dengue

Prevention = avoiding mosquito bites 

It is important to participate in reducing mosquitoes by eliminating the places where the mosquito lays her eggs.

• Indoors: artificial containers that hold water, look for standing water indoors such as in vases (clean at least once a week) 
• Outdoors: clean water containers like pet and animal watering containers, flower planter dishes or cover water storage barrels. The adult mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes, during the day and at night when the lights are on. 

So, to protect yourself, don’t forget to:

• use repellent on your skin while indoors or out. 
• wear long sleeves and pants for additional protection, if possible 
• make sure window and door screens are secure and without holes. 
• use air-conditioning, if available 
• sleep under a mosquito bed net, if available