Tropical diseases are wiping out our tourists in Asia. What you need to know about Dengue Fever

In Southeast Asia, in particular, there is an abnormal outbreak of seasonal tropical diseases in Thailand. According to the Department of Disease Control of Thailand from January 1 to June 21, 2023, the total number of patients with Dengue fever was 24,090 people, 20 of whom died. The incidence of Dengue has been abnormally high since the beginning of the year, and since May the statistics have jumped even more, since the peak of the spread of the disease falls during the wet season — Dengue is spread by mosquitoes that actively reproduce in the water. The increase in morbidity in 2023 is 500%. It was reported that more than 7,000 tourists, most of whom are Russians, applied to hospitals. Another dangerous virus is chikungunya. In June alone, about 500 people fell ill, which is 2.5 times more than a year earlier.

What is the danger of Dengue fever and chikungunya

Among Russian tourists, these diseases are often compared with seasonal SARS and flu, they say, every year outbreaks and every year everyone gets sick. But there are still differences. Tropical diseases can be much more severe than our usual northern sores.

The Russian, who lives permanently in Southeast Asia, spoke about his experience of fighting Dengue.

«I had this infection, I literally crawled to the toilet for three days, then everything passed, » the man says, «but I'm strong, but my vegan friends, when they were sick, their complexion was like office paper — just white from exhaustion».

Internist-endocrinologist of the multidisciplinary clinic «Source», candidate of Medical Sciences Marina Cherednikova notes that Chikungunya and Dengue are diseases that are really similar in course and symptoms and resemble SARS.

«The temperature rises, joint aches, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, weakness. Both diseases are caused by viruses transmitted from the bites of infected mosquitoes of different types that live in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. According to the World Health Organization, the activity of diseases occurs in the countries of Asia, Africa, the islands of the Indian Ocean, Central and South America. But recently, isolated cases have been detected in European countries. The incubation period can last up to 12 days, so often diseases are not always diagnosed quickly and on time. At the same time, complications may be dangerous for the elderly and patients with a history of heart disease».

Thai doctors note that diseases are especially dangerous for children and adults over 35 years old. Another risk of Dengue is a hemorrhagic form, which is accompanied by bleeding. According to the severity of the impact on the body, it is associated with the coronavirus.

How to escape from Dengue?

According to Marina Cherednikova, there is no vaccination against the Chikungunya virus. There is a vaccine for Dengue, but it is not available in our country. And in Thailand itself, it is put only for money, and it does not save from infection. The principle is the same as with the flu and coronavirus vaccine — vaccination reduces the risk of severe form.

«If a case of fever is suddenly diagnosed, then usually the doctor prescribes treatment aimed at relieving pain, including in the joints: paracetamol, naproxen. There are no special antiviral drugs in the treatment. Be sure to prescribe copious drinking, especially if there is a fever, so that the body is not dehydrated. Intestinal disorders or diarrhea are not characteristic of these diseases. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor, do not self-medicate. It is possible that another virus with similar symptoms has been infected and other treatment may be required», — the doctor says.

The main means of protection against infection is repellents. During the season, it is recommended to actively use ointments and sprays against mosquitoes, cover the skin from bites, buy insect traps, mosquito nets, etc. Local authorities separately treat particularly suspicious places, and also advise not to keep containers with water in the vicinity. The mosquito breeds in stagnant water, so it is advised to make sure that there are no vessels on the balcony or in the yard where rainwater could collect. If you completely remove them, it does not work out that at least regularly drain the water.

A separate item is insurance. It is better to make sure that it covers treatment for severe cases of Dengue fever. According to the reviews of tourists who were in the clinic, it cost 100,000 Thai baht, or about 240,000 rubles for our money.

Is it possible to bring the sore home?

Yes, this happens regularly because of the incubation period. The most recent case occurred in Krasnoyarsk Territory. Dmitry Goryaev, head of the Rospotrebnadzor Department for the region, told about him in his telegram channel.

«Three tourists were diagnosed with Dengue fever when returning home. Moreover, among the sick there is a child who has turned one year old. Total since the beginning of the year in 5 imported cases of Dengue fever have been registered in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. All the sick returned from Thailand. Vacationers got sick as a result of non-compliance with simple security measures. For example, the use of repellents, which would help them to protect themselves from mosquito bites», — the sanitary doctor said.