Mosquito-borne Diseases from Travel

Is this your symptom?

• Tropical diseases spread by mosquitoes
• Includes malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus
• You have no symptoms of tropical disease. If you have symptoms, use other guides. These diseases start with high fevers.
• Tropical diseases occur in people who travel to or live in high-risk countries. These mainly are developing countries near the equator. You may have traveled to a high-risk country recently.

How Tropical Mosquito-Borne Diseases are Detected by this Symptom Checker

• These diseases can't be diagnosed over the phone. But, they can be suspected based on their symptoms. They are then referred to a medical setting where a diagnosis can be made.
• Malaria will be picked up by the Fever guide. If you are feeling very ill or have prolonged fever and chills, you should be seen. The Headache or Leg Pain guides will also work. Reason: Malaria can also cause severe headache or muscle pain.
• Yellow fever will be picked up by the Fever guide. If you are feeling very ill or have prolonged fever and chills, you should be seen. The Headache or Leg Pain guides will also work. Reason: Yellow fever can also cause severe headache or muscle pains.
• Dengue fever will be picked up by the Fever guide. If you are feeling very ill or have prolonged fever and chills, you should be seen. The Headache or Leg Pain guides will also work. Reason: Dengue fever can also cause severe headache, joint pain or muscle pains.
• Chikungunya fever will be picked up by the Fever guide. If you are feeling very ill or have prolonged fever and chills, you should be seen. The Arm Pain or Leg Pain guides will also work. Reason: Joint pains in the hands and feet are common. So are muscle pains.
• Zika virus infection will be picked up by the Fever or Rash care guides.
• Travel to a high risk country should raise the concern. However, common diseases that cause fever (such as colds) also must be ruled out. They occur more commonly in these countries than the serious diseases. But, severe symptoms or symptoms that last too long make us think about these other diseases.

Tropical Countries

• Countries in the tropics are near the equator. They have hot and humid climates.
• The tropics are also defined as regions without a cold season.
• Many diseases in these countries are spread by an insect bite.
• In the tropics, insects never hibernate. They are present in large numbers year round.
• Other diseases here are spread by germs that multiply in warm water. The water in the tropics usually stays warm.
• Tropical diseases occur in people who live in or travel to high-risk countries.
• Climate change is a factor that has allowed these diseases to spread.

Preventing Mosquito Bites During Travel

• Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat.
• Avoid being outside when the bugs are most active. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Limit your child's outdoor play at these times. The mosquito that transmits Zika is also active during the day.
• Get rid of any standing water. Reason: it's where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
• Keep bugs out of the home by fixing any broken screens.
• If exposed to outside air, use bed nets to protect you during sleep.
• To prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellents that have DEET. These products work well to protect you from bites. Read the label before using.

Preventing Bites - Use DEET on Skin and Permethrin on Clothing

• DEET is a good mosquito repellent. It also repels ticks and other bugs.
• Use 30% DEET if you need 6 hours of protection. Use 10% DEET if you only need protection for 2 hours.
• Use only a small amount. A total of 3 or 4 drops can protect the whole body.
• Put on exposed areas of skin. Do not use near eyes or mouth. Don't use on skin that is covered by clothing. Don't put DEET on sunburns or rashes. Reason: DEET can be easily absorbed in these areas.
• Wash it off with soap and water when you come indoors.
• Caution: DEET can harm clothing made of man-made fibers. It can also harm plastics (eye glasses) and leather. DEET can be used on cotton clothing.
• Permethrin products can be applied to all types of clothing.