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Dengue Fever

Hubby and I are planning a holiday for next year to celebrate our 50th birthdays. South Africa is high on the list and I have identifed a couple of Exodus escorted trips which look really interesting.

However on reading the trip notes, there is a mention of Dengue fever being present in the area, albeit 'rare', and that there is no medical preparation you can take (unlike for Malaria).

Unfortunately I am one of these people that mosquitoes are attracted to. If there is only one buzzing (or should I say whining) around in the district it will find me. 100% Deet works for me, but I really don't want to be using it for extended periods

Should I be concerned or in reality is it very unlikely to get Dengue fever ?

Comments

  • clearingout
    clearingout Posts: 3,290 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I lived in a country where it was common for 3 years - got it once, during an epidemic (can only assume there were more mositquoes for some reason - or more infected ones), and it is pretty horrible but rarely life threatening (there are strains that affect the brain, I believe). I don't think you really need to worry on a holiday providing you're using some kind of 'protection'!
  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,470 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Can you go for a shorter period in the risk area?
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
  • loobs40
    loobs40 Posts: 1,233 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes, only part of the trip is in the risk area. The rest of the trip is on the South Coast and Cape Town
  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,470 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Perhaps just take precautions to reduce the risk.
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
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