Dengue fever in Bali is a common thing, and knowing how to avoid contracting dengue fever is crucial for your health. This guide will help you understand the simple steps to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, which carry the dengue virus. We’ll also break down the symptoms so you can recognize them early and seek treatment if needed. Read on to learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while enjoying everything Bali offers. Remember, prevention is key. Let’s dive into the specifics!
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne illness caused by the dengue virus. It spreads when a person gets bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito, mainly the Aedes aegypti. This disease is pretty common in tropical and subtropical areas, like Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and parts of Africa.
The Dengue symptoms usually start showing up 4 to 10 days after the mosquito bite, and they can be mild or really bad. Some common symptoms include high fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and light bleeding, like nosebleeds or bleeding gums. It’s often called “breakbone fever” because of how painful the muscle and joint aches can be. Let’s learn about these symptoms in more thorough in the next section.
Dengue Fever Symptoms
Early recognition of dengue symptoms can make a big difference in getting treated. Dengue symptoms start mild and can get severe fast. Knowing what to look out for is important especially if you’ve been in areas where dengue is prevalent. In this section we’ll list down the symptoms to watch out for so you can act fast if you or someone you know feels unwell.
Sudden High Fever
One of the main symptoms of dengue fever is a sudden high fever which can shoot up to 104°F or 40°C. This isn’t just a slight temperature rise; it’s an intense fever that means your body is fighting off a serious infection. The fever usually starts 4 to 10 days after you’ve been bitten by an infected mosquito and can last 2 to 7 days. What makes this fever difficult is not just its severity but also how it can fluctuate over a period, sometimes breaks and then returns.
Severe Headaches
Headaches during dengue are not to be ignored. They are severe, usually around the forehead and can be debilitating. It’s not just a tension headache but more intense and throbbing.
This symptom is miserable because it can affect daily activities and worsens with any form of exertion or movement. Add to that the high fever and it’s quite exhausting.
Pain Behind The Eyes
One of the main symptoms of dengue fever is pain behind the eyes, medically referred to as retro-orbital pain. This is not just a headache; it feels like pressure is being applied directly behind the eyes and gets worse when you move your eyes. This can be quite scary and uncomfortable.
The pain is caused by inflammation and swelling in the area which is a result of the dengue virus affecting the body’s immune response. The mechanism behind this symptom isn’t limited to dengue; similar occurs in other viral infections, the body’s inflammatory response to the viral invasion.
Muscle And Joint Pains in Severe Dengue
This symptom is often called “breakbone fever” and it’s severe. Dengue fever affects the muscles, bones, and joints, resulting in severe joint and muscle pain. This pain is not localized; it spreads all over the body and can limit mobility and daily activities. The intensity of the pain is due to the body’s production of certain chemicals and immune responses that fight the virus and also cause pain and swelling in the tissues and joints. This is how dengue fever affects the musculoskeletal system, making even simple movements painful and exhausting.
Nausea
Nausea in dengue can affect your appetite and overall comfort. It’s not just a simple stomach upset; it’s usually a continuous feeling of queasiness that makes it hard to even think about food. This feeling can be accompanied by intense stomach pain, abdominal pain, and general body aches, adding to the discomfort. Nausea may not occur alone and is often a precursor to vomiting, when the body is struggling to cope with the infection
Vomiting
Vomiting due to dengue fever isn’t just occasional. It can be frequent and severe and can lead to dehydration if not managed well. The episodes of vomiting can be so intense that it can occur 3 or more times in a 24 hour period.
This is part of the body’s response to the viral infection and can be a warning sign for more severe forms of dengue, like dengue hemorrhagic fever where the risk of internal bleeding and shock is high. In these cases, vomiting may also include blood, a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding which is a severe complication of dengue fever.
Swollen Glands
Swollen glands or lymphadenopathy is a common symptom of dengue fever. This swelling occurs because the body’s immune system is responding to the dengue virus. When infected, the lymph nodes especially those in the neck and underarms may become enlarged as they filter out the virus and produce white blood cells to fight the infection. The lymph nodes can remain swollen for a long time and while this is usually a temporary condition, it can be uncomfortable.
Rash
Rash is another symptom that appears in the later stages of dengue fever, usually 3 to 4 days after onset of fever. This rash starts on the torso before spreading to the limbs and face. It may look like a cluster of red spots or a continuous red area. The rash is not just a sign of the disease’s progression but also a visual diagnosis of the infection.
The rash can be itchy and uncomfortable but like other symptoms, and progression of the rash may vary from person to person. In some cases, as the fever subsides, a second rash that looks like measles may appear. Managing the rash is with general supportive care like using calamine lotion or other mild topical steroids to ease the itching.
How to Prevent Dengue fever in Bali
If you’re heading to Bali, especially during the rainy season, be extra cautious about Dengue fever. The wet weather makes it easier for mosquitoes to spread the virus. But don’t worry, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself and enjoy your trip without any hassle.
1. Reduce Mosquito Habitat
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water so any standing water around your home can be a mosquito nursery. Here’s how you can prevent that:
- Regular Checks: Walk around your property regularly to check for any containers or areas that can collect water. This includes plant saucers, pet water bowls, empty pots and even small items like bottle caps.
- Proper Storage: Store containers that can collect water like buckets and gardening equipment in a dry place or upside down so that water cannot accumulate inside them
- Maintain Drains: Ensure all drains and gutters are clean and free from leaves and debris that can block water flow so water cannot stand.
- Change Water Frequently: To break the mosquito breeding cycle, change the water in containers that need to hold water, such as bird baths or pet water dishes, at least once a week.
2. Stay in Well-screened Houses
Keeping mosquitoes out of your house is key to preventing dengue:
- Insect Screens: Fit all windows and doors with insect screens to keep mosquitoes out. Make sure these screens are in good condition and fix any holes or gaps immediately.
- Air Conditioning: If available, use air conditioning as mosquitoes prefer warmer temperatures and are less active in cool, air-conditioned environment.
- Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on the bottom of doors so mosquitoes cannot crawl in under them.
- Screen Repair: Regularly inspect your screens for any damage. A small hole can be enough for mosquitoes to enter. Patch up any holes with screen repair kits available at hardware stores.
3. Cover Up As Much As Possible
When it comes to clothing to deter mosquitoes, the strategy is simple: cover up as much as possible. Choose long sleeves and pants and clothes made from tightly woven fabric so mosquitoes cannot get to your skin.
Light colors are better as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. The type of material also matters; synthetic fibers like polyester or rayon are less appealing to mosquitoes than natural fibers like cotton.
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors especially in areas known for mosquitoes, consider clothing treated with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide that remains effective even after multiple washes. These are especially useful if you’re in an area with high risk of mosquito borne diseases like dengue fever.
4. Use Mosquito Repellent to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Insect repellent is a vital tool in your dengue prevention arsenal and is essential for preventing mosquito bites. When choosing a repellent, look for those with active ingredients like DEET, picaridin or IR3535 which are all EPA approved for their effectiveness and safety. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also a good option if you prefer a natural product but not recommended for children under 3 years old.
When applying this chemical based insect repellent, make sure to cover all exposed skin. Be thorough but not overdo it; a light even coat will do. Apply it after sunscreen not before. Reapply according to the product’s instructions especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
For your face, spray repellent on your hands first and then pat it on your face avoiding your eyes and mouth. If using spray repellent, do so in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling it. Remember, while repellents are safe when used as directed, use with caution especially on young children and pregnant women
5. Sleep Under a Mosquito Nets
Sleeping under a mosquito net can be one of the most effective ways to avoid mosquito bites at night. Here’s how to make sure your mosquito net does its job properly:
- Choose the Right Net: Opt for nets that are long enough to tuck under your mattress and wide enough to drape over the sides of the bed. The mesh size should be small enough to prevent mosquitoes from entering (at least 200 holes per square inch).
- Proper Installation: Hang the net from points above your bed so that it covers all sides with extra length to tuck under your mattress. This will create a sealed-off barrier so mosquitoes cannot find their way in.
- Regular Checks: Inspect your net regularly for any tears or gaps and repair them immediately. A small hole can be an entry point for mosquitoes.
- Keep it Tucked: Always tuck the net under your mattress when you sleep. This will seal off any potential entry points and prevent mosquitoes from getting under the net while you sleep.
6. Pick the Ideal Hours for Going Out
Mosquito activity varies depending on the time of day, and with the recent surge in dengue fever cases, it is crucial to be vigilant. Aedes aegypti (the primary vector for dengue fever) is most active during early morning and before dusk. Plan your outdoor activities to avoid these peak mosquito hours and you’ll reduce your chances of getting bitten. If you must be outside during these times, make sure to wear the right clothing and use mosquito repellent.
Dengue Fever Treatment and Medication
There’s no cure for dengue; treatment is mainly supportive to relieve symptoms, especially given the rising number of dengue fever cases. This means staying hydrated and resting. You can take paracetamol for fever and pain but avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as these can increase the risk of bleeding. In severe cases hospital care is needed to manage fluids and monitor vital signs.
For non-severe cases, IV drip treatments are also available locally that can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery. These treatments usually include hydration, vitamins and sometimes medication to reduce fever all under medical supervision.
Preventively the best way to protect yourself is by not getting bitten. Use repellents, wear long sleeved shirts and pants and stay in accommodation with good mosquito proofing. Also try to eliminate any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Hospital and Doctor Contacts for Dengue Fever in Bali
For those heading to Bali, it is crucial to have contact information for local hospitals and doctors in case of dengue fever or other illness.
Bali Belly Doctor
- Location: Jl Sunset Road no.27C, within Revive Medical building.
- Contact:
- Phone: (+62) 0813 2605 2230
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: +62 813 2605 2230
Bali Royal Hospital (BROS):
- Location: Jl. Tantular No. 6, Renon, Denpasar, Bali
- Contact:
- Phone: +62 361 222 588
Prima Medika Hospital:
- Location: Jl. Raya Sesetan No. 10, Denpasar, Bali
- Contact:
- Phone: +62 361 236225
Dr. Ari Sudhewa
- Contact:
- WhatsApp and Phone: +62 812 395 4567
- Email: [email protected].