The Travel Doctor
Traveller's medical & vaccination centre
Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC
Q: Hi, I have just returned from Bali and been diagnosed with Dengue Fever. I have been advised by my doctor that I should reconsider my travel plans. I love Bali and hate to think that my last trip was literally my last. What is the REAL risk of me returning?
Thank you, Carolyn.
A: Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by the 4 strains of the dengue virus, all transmitted by mosquito bites in tropical areas around the world. This means that, in theory, a person can get dengue fever 4 times. The risk of getting a more serious illness with subsequent infections is a feature of the virus, but the risk of getting a serious complication like dengue-haemorrhagic fever (DHF) at a second or third infection is about 1-2 % of cases. So overall if you are careful about protecting against mosquito bites, then there is no real reason to not go back to Bali, or other tropical zones.
Travel Doctor clinics provide specialist travel health advice and plenty of suggestions and products to reduce mosquito exposure.
Dr Jenny
Disclaimer: Information provided in this health column is of a general nature & should not replace specific advice from your own personal Travel doctor-TMVC consultation.
Not all questions submitted to the website will be answered & Users of this website should always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions they have regarding their health or a medical condition.
