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Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC

Q: I have just contracted Dengue Fever for the second time in 3 months in SE Asia. I am planning on returning there in 3 weeks. Is there a way of finding out what strains I have caught, and what strains are prevalent in specific areas? I have been warned by my GP not to return as a third infection could be very severe. Is that correct?

Thanks, David

 

A:  Dengue fever, spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas, is caused by 4 different types of dengue virus, and protection against one unfortunately does not give protection against the others, so the illness can be contracted up to 4 times. Historically the different types were geographically isolated, but nowdays 2, 3 or even 4 types can be found in the same places, especially through SE Asia.

Identifying the type can be done in a laboratory, but generally there is no point, as future exposure can be to any other type anyway. It is recognised that having a second or third infection after a previous one slightly increases the risk of a more serious illness on the second or third occasion. The chance of having a more severe illness is estimated to be about 2 %. That does not mean you cannot travel there, but does mean you should be more careful to avoid mosquito bites.

Dr Tony

 

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