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Dengue fever and Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)
are acute febrile diseases, found in the
tropics, caused by four closely related mosquito
borne viruses. Dengue is transmitted to humans
by the Aedes Agypti which feed during the day.
It is also known as breakbone fever.
Geographically the spread is similar to malaria,
but unlike malaria, dengue is often found in
urban areas (like here) of tropical Countries,
such as Australia, Indonesia, Thailand,
Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Bangladesh,
Brazil, Venezuela, Taiwan, Guyana, Puerto Rico,
the Phillipines and now Samoa. Each serotype or
"strain" is sufficiently different that there is
no cross-protection.Epidemics caused by multiple
serotypes or strains (hyperendemicity) may
occur.
What does this mean to us here in the tropics?
The usual cautions, wear loose fitting cotton
type clothing. If relaxing outdoors, always good
to sit under fans. if you need to wear repellent
we recommend the Bushmans brand. Studies have
shown the benchmark for repelling Mosquitos,
Midge and sand Flies is a DEET concentration of
about 30% on the skin. Most products sold are
20% which is ample. however in more tropical
disease prone regions we recommend Bushmans
spray with 40% DEET. After application some
evaporates off leaving a very effective long
lasting 30% protection. One last note: to date
DEET has proven safe without any adverse
affects. Some people do experience
hypersensitivty to the products and for them we
suggest hypoallergenic lines like Aerogard.
Kelly D. Lash B.A., Pharm.D., R.Ph
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