The risk is greatest in long term visitors to rural areas, and the risk to short term visitors in major cities is small. Precautions against mosquito bites is essential. There is an effective vaccine available in the UK on a named patient basis. It should be considered by anyone travelling to Asia for more than a month or visiting rural areas. This is an unusual arbovirus infection since no other animals except humans and mosquitos play a significant part in perpetuating the infection.
Dengue is present in Africa, South East Asia, the Pacific area and northern South America.
The initial fever resolves after about three to five days only to recur with the appearance of a rash consisting of small spots which starts on the trunk and spreads to the limbs and face. Within a few days the fever subsides and recovery follows. Although dengue is a very unpleasant illness, complications are uncommon and recovery is usually complete. There is also a more severe and life threatening haemorrhagic form of the disease which has appeared with dramatic outbreaks. Fortunately this form occurs only rarely.