Yellow and Dengue Fever

The mosquito that transmits these diseases was originally called the vector mosquito, but they became extinct in 2000 and we now have another kind of vector mosquito called the Aedes albopictus. There are no yellow or dengue fever outbreaks in our country as these mosquitos live in countries like Africa and South America. However, it is possible for people who travel to these areas to contract either disease and import it to Canada. 

Yellow Fever

A viral infection spread by mosquitos and most common in Africa and South America. Anyone can get the disease, but elderly people have a higher risk of developing a severe infection. If someone has contracted the “fever”, symptoms usually start to develop 3-6 days after they are bitten.

Yellow Fever has 3 stages:

Stage 1: Infection - includes muscle and joint aches, flushing, loss of appetite, headache, vomiting, and fever, and goes away after 3-4 days.

Stage 2: Remission - when fever and other symptoms disappear and most people fully recover, but others get worse in a 24 hour time span.

Stage 3: Intoxication - organ problems (such as liver, heart, and kidney failure) may start to arise, as well as seizures, delirium, coma, and bleeding disorders.  

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Seizures
• Coma
• Bleeding
• Decreased urination
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Vomiting (possibly blood)

PREVENTION:

If you plan on traveling to countries where Yellow Fever is common, be sure to;

• Layer your protection
• Use The Insect Defend Patch to help better protect yourself as the first line of defense
• If you're going into an area with heavy biting pressure, in addition to the patch, be sure to use a repellent containing DEET
• Wear clothing that fully covers your body
• Sleep in screened housing
• Get vaccinated before you go

When traveling to Africa and/or South America, it is usually a good idea to get vaccinated before you go. The vaccine should be given 10 days before the travel date and lasts up to 10 years, after which it needs to be taken again. 

Dengue Fever

A disease also spread by mosquito bites and most common in South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Some parts of the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Indonesian archipelago into northern Australia. It is being seen more frequently now in world travelers because people often do not protect themselves properly. If bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms will begin to show after 7-10 days.

Symptoms may include:

• Headache (behind the eyes)
• Nausea
• Joint and muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Swollen lymph nodes

 


PREVENTION:

• Layer your protection
• Use The Insect Defend Patch to help better protect yourself as the first line of defense
• If you're going into an area with heavy biting pressure, in addition to the patch, be sure to use a repellent containing DEET
• Long clothing
• Netting (to help reduce exposure)
• Travel during times when mosquito activity is at a low

Unfortunately there is no vaccine to protect yourself from Dengue Fever, so travelers must take the appropriate precautions.