Brits urged to do one thing after applying sunscreen on holiday in popular spots
This step could protect against dengue fever, which has been reported in several tourist hotspots.
British holidaymakers planning to visit several popular destinations this summer have been advised to take an essential step after applying sunscreen. This measure is aimed at protecting against dengue fever, with the risk of the disease being recently updated.
Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, can manifest as a mild ailment but can lead to severe complications and even death. Traditionally, dengue has been confined to tropical regions, but there is concern that its geographic range could widen worldwide due to climatic changes.
Travel Health Pro, a website providing health advice for travellers, has stated that "sporadic" cases of dengue have been reported in some tourist hotspots. The National Travel Health Network and Centre, alongside the UK Health Security Agency, have re-evaluated their guidance for countries where dengue is a risk.
Countries reporting isolated dengue cases include Australia, Croatia, France, Italy, Madeira, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the USA. Even in light of these instances, there are no vaccination requirements for those travelling to these locations.
Despite the lack of vaccine requirements, Travel Health Pro said: "All travellers visiting areas reporting dengue cases or anywhere dengue is thought to be present are at risk of infection." For individuals heading to these affected zones, the recommendation from the site is to apply insect repellent after putting on sunscreen and to reapply it if swimming.
"Insect repellent should be applied after sunscreen and regularly reapplied following any activities, including swimming," it recommended. This is one way to decrease your likelihood of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Travel Health Pro highlighted that insect repellents containing 50 per cent DEET are currently the most effective. These can be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children from two months old.
However, if DEET isn't suitable, alternative insect repellents containing Icaridin (Picaridin); Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclized; or 3-ethlyaminopropionate should be used. It further suggested: "Reduce your risk of all insect-spread illnesses, including dengue, by wearing long-sleeved tops and long trousers and applying insect repellent regularly.
"If you are staying with friends or family, minimise mosquito breeding sites around the home by eliminating any stagnant water in plant pots, gutters, drains and rubbish. Insecticide-treated bed and cot nets provide good protection against mosquito bites when sleeping."
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised that the incidence of dengue has increased "dramatically" worldwide in recent years. It states: "The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries in the WHO Regions of Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.
"The Americas, South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions are the most seriously affected, with Asia accounting for around 70 percent of the global disease burden. Dengue is spreading to new areas in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and South America."
In 2023, a record number of dengue cases were reported. The WHO commented: "The WHO Region of the Americas reported 4.5 million cases, with 2,300 deaths. A high number of cases were also reported in Asia: Bangladesh (321,000), Malaysia (111,400), Thailand (150,000), and Vietnam (369,000)."
Symptoms
Dengue fever symptoms include a viral illness that is transmitted from infected Aedes mosquitoes to humans. While many individuals may not show any symptoms, severe cases can be life-threatening.
According to the WHO, common symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.
Other signs to watch out for are:
Pain behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pains
Vomiting
Swollen glands.
Recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks, but severe dengue can necessitate hospitalisation and, in rare instances, can lead to death.
Severe dengue symptoms encompass:
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Rapid breathing
Bleeding gums or nose
Fatigue
Restlessness
Blood in vomit or stool
Extreme thirst
Pale and cold skin
Weakness.
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