Prophylaxis
First and foremost, the prophylaxis includes protection against insect bites. Both protective clothing and so-called “repellents” are suitable for this. Light-coloured, firm and long-sleeved clothing can protect the skin.
Since the tiger mosquito can even bite through certain clothes, impregnation should be considered additionally. It is important to note that the vectors of dengue fever, unlike the malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquito, are day-active! Nevertheless, a mosquito net should be installed at night.
In addition to the protective clothing mentioned above, the use of repellents or insect repellent is absolutely recommended. Applied to endangered, exposed skin areas such as arms, legs and face, they offer relatively safe protection against insect bites. The most common insect repellents include diethyltoluamide or icaridine.
For pregnant women and small children, the products may be used with restrictions. It is possible to use a sunscreen at the same time – however, the sunscreen must be used first and then the insect repellent spray. Unfortunately there is still no effective vaccination against dengue fever.
Since a possible vaccine would have to be effective against all four types of the virus, the development is extremely difficult. This is because, after surviving an infection, the patient only becomes immune to the virus type that infected him. Several promising vaccines are currently in the test phase. However, a breakthrough is not expected in the near future.
Forecast
Overall, dengue fever has a favourable prognosis. Most cases can be cured in western countries by supportive measures such as hydration and fever reduction. However, in severe variants, especially dengue shock syndrome, the mortality rate is significantly higher at around 30%.
However, in countries without adequate medical care, even milder forms such as dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) can lead to death. Decisive factors, such as age and state of health before infection, also determine the individual prognosis.
