Tropical Disease Insurance

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease vary in severity depending on the type of infection and the person infected.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:

– Sudden high fever
– Severe headache and/or pain behind the eyes
– Muscle, bone, or joint pain
– Vomiting
– Muscle spasms, tremors, convulsions
– Nausea or vomiting
– Swollen glands
– Rash

Diagnosis

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever are often difficult to diagnose since its symptoms sometimes overlap with those of other diseases including malaria and typhoid fever. Although laboratory testing can detect signs of dengue viruses, the results generally arrive too late to aid in treatment planning. If symptoms are present and an individual has been to an area where Zika virus transmission is known, a Zika virus infection may be considered. Although, only a laboratory test of body fluids, such as urine or saliva, or a blood test can establish the presence of the Zika virus and also for Chikungunya.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available to prevent Mosquito related diseases. Therefore the best way to avoid infection is to try to prevent mosquitoes from biting you. You can do this by using insect repellent, wear clothing that protects your body such as long-sleeved tops and trousers. You can also take precautions into your home inside and outside of your home, by sleeping under a mosquito net and using screens on your window and doors to keep the mosquitos out.

Mosquitoes that spread the dengue virus bite during the day and night, so it’s best to protect yourself all throughout the day. Mosquitoes are particularly attracted to and like to linger around water or items that collect water such as pools, wells, buckets, and plant posts. It is recommended that you empty, turn cover, or cover these items, especially if they are around your home as mosquitoes like to lay eggs near water.