Thread: Dengue fever

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Gerry, I realize there is always a possibility of contracting Dengue and I was just saying I was lucky to never have had it, to my knowledge. I may still get it, but hope not.

I was not aware there are such things as daytime mosquitoes. Did some research and you are correct. Here is a pretty good article about combating mosquito bites.

How to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Asia - 10 Tips

Rick - I did a lot of research after my bout with dengue. I thought I had caught something on the plane which is common in the closed cabin atmosphere. When I stated my symptoms the doctor knew better. I had a hell of a time keeping my body temperature under 104F. The doctor had blood tests taken to confirm his belief and my white blood cell count was only a fraction of normal. For me it was a 3 day incubation period then a week of high fever, the second week with the rash and pains wasn't too bad because I knew they weren't going to kill me.

Prevention is your friend with dengue!!! I know some people sail thru it without much difficulty yet others get more severe cases and for about 1% it proves fatal.

That does not sound like much fun and I am sure you are an expert on the topic after your episode. I have been going to Thailand since 1985 and the last several years have pretty much been full time. My luck can't hold forever and all you can do is reduce the chances of mosquito bites. Good luck with that in Thailand.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

That does not sound like much fun and I am sure you are an expert on the topic after your episode. I have been going to Thailand since 1985 and the last several years have pretty much been full time. My luck can't hold forever and all you can do is reduce the chances of mosquito bites. Good luck with that in Thailand.

Shit happens. If we wanted to be safe we would have stayed in our western countries and vegetated? (but safely)
Fork that - everything in life is a calculated risk but the threat of possibly getting a disease will never change my living or travel plans!! (with in reason of course)

Agree Gerry.

Had a bout of it in Indonesia in 1999. The Aedes mosquito is quite striking, larger than its dusk comrades and is a daytime mosquito so one should be alert if a mosquito is buzzing around the office in the daytime.