Dengue fever alert in southern Colombia

In Colombia, on February 10, 2020, the Ministry of Health of the department of Huila, in the south of the country issued a health alert due to a dengue epidemic.

According to epidemiological bulletin No. 5, the health authorities declared 1 628 cases, 814 with warning signs and 26 cases of severe dengue on 10 February. Five deaths have been reported.

Dengue reminders

The dengue, viral disease caused by the Dengue virus (4 serotypes) of the family of Flaviviridae, transmitted by a mosquito bite, manifests itself most often by an influenza-like illness (fever, muscle pain, sometimes rash). Dengue fever can develop into a severe hemorrhagic form. Taking aspirin is formally not recommended. There is no preventative drug treatment available for dengue.

It exists :

• Dengue fever characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and pain in the muscles and joints. Some may also have a rash and varying degrees of bleeding in various parts of the body (including the nose, mouth and gums or bruising on the skin). Dengue fever has a broad spectrum of infection (asymptomatic to symptomatic). Symptomatic disease can range from dengue fever (DF) to more severe dengue fever (DH).
• Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) – is a more serious form, seen only in a small proportion of those infected. DHF is a stereotypical disease characterized by 3 phases; feverish phase with high fever generally generally less than 7 days; critical phase (plasma leakage) lasting 1 to 2 days, generally apparent when the fever drops, causing shock if it is not detected and treated quickly; convalescent phase lasting 2 to 5 days with improved appetite, bradycardia (slow heart rate), convalescent rashes (white patches on a red background), often accompanied by generalized itching (more intense in the palms and soles of the feet) and diuresis (increased urine flow).
• Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) – Shock syndrome is a dangerous complication of dengue fever and is associated with high mortality. Severe dengue fever occurs as a result of a secondary infection with a different viral serotype. Increased vascular permeability, associated with myocardial dysfunction and dehydration, contributes to the onset of shock resulting in multi-organ failure.

There is no specific treatment for the virus. For European tourists, preventing dengue fever therefore involves combating its vector Aedes albopictus. The most effective way to fight this mosquito is to eliminate its nesting grounds (saucers, small containers, waste, tanks, vases, tires, etc.).

Travel Tips

No vaccine is available against chikungunya and dengue.

Travelers are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The usual vector control measures should be observed:

• reduce the time spent outside during the mosquito’s peak hours (between dusk and dawn);
• wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present;
• protect themselves from mosquito bites by using an insect repellent containing DEET;
• clean gutters and regularly empty bird baths and other objects likely to collect water;
• ensuring that the rain barrels are covered with mosquito nets or that they are tightly sealed around the rainwater downpipe;
• improve landscaping to prevent standing water around the house.

People using sunscreen should apply the repellant 20 minutes after the sunscreen.

In order to avoid as much as possible the spread of the dengue virus, chikungunya and Zika virus on the metropolitan territory, before a sudden onset fever and joint or muscle pain within 15 days after returning from a trip to the area at risk, you must consult your doctor as soon as possible while reporting your trip.

Source: Outbreak News Today.

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