[Health Tip] Beware of Dengue Fever When Visiting Southeast Asia

Recently, a Korean who visited Southeast Asia died after being infected with dengue fever, prompting health authorities to urge special caution against mosquito bites when visiting overseas epidemic areas.

Dengue mosquito

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 2nd, a Korean individual, Mr. A, who visited Bangladesh for business purposes, developed symptoms of dengue fever on the 22nd of last month and was hospitalized in a local hospital in Bangladesh for treatment but died two days later. Vaccines and treatments for dengue fever have not yet been developed. The agency stated, “when visiting tropical and subtropical regions, care must be taken to avoid mosquito bites.” There have been no reported cases of dengue fever occurring in Korea.

As of the 26th of last month, 107 Koreans have been infected overseas this year. This is a 3.2-fold increase compared to the same period last year due to the endemic phase of COVID-19. The main countries of infection are Southeast Asian regions such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia.

Dengue fever is transmitted when bitten by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes infected with the dengue virus. After an incubation period ranging from as short as 3 days to as long as 14 days, symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and muscle pain appear.

Although deaths from dengue fever are rare, the fatality rate can rise to as high as 5% upon reinfection. This is because it is more likely to progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Citizens currently staying in or planning to visit dengue risk countries should prepare mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, and other mosquito avoidance products to prevent dengue fever. When going outdoors, wear light-colored long clothing and apply mosquito repellent every 3 to 4 hours to avoid mosquito bites. This year, due to global climate anomalies, heavy rains have poured in regions including Southeast Asia, creating an environment favorable for vector mosquitoes to thrive, leading to a rapid increase in patients locally.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is conducting free proactive dengue fever testing through national quarantine stations at airports and ports until November. It is recommended to get tested if you have visited dengue epidemic countries. Visitors who test positive for dengue fever will receive symptomatic treatment. Hospitalization may be required if symptoms are severe.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.