Vaccination Pricing

£120 Per dose

£240 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

While most cases result in mild illness, some individuals may experience life-threatening complications, such as;

• Dengue haemorrhagic fever
• Dengue shock syndrome
• Organ failure or even death

How can you catch Dengue fever

Dengue fever is contracted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are infected with the dengue virus. When these mosquitoes bite an infected person, they become carriers of the virus. Subsequent bites by infected mosquitoes on other individuals can transmit the virus, leading to dengue infection. Traveling to regions with dengue outbreaks and being exposed to mosquito bites there is a common way for people to contract the disease. It is not directly transmitted from person to person; mosquitoes serve as the key vector in the transmission cycle.

How is Dengue fever treated

Historically the virus had no specific antiviral treatment, making prevention through mosquito control crucial. Now, however a vaccine (Qdenga) has been licensed and approved and is now available in the UK. The vaccine takes into account Dengue's complex epidemiology, with four distinct serotypes, presents unique challenges for vaccine development, as prior infection with one serotype can enhance the severity of subsequent infections with a different serotype.

Addressing dengue fever requires a multi-pronged approach, involving vaccination, public health measures, research, and community education to reduce transmission and mitigate the impact of this debilitating and potentially deadly disease.

The Vaccination

How do you catch Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, most commonly the Aedes aegypti species. The process of catching dengue fever begins when a female Aedes mosquito, already infected with the dengue virus, bites an individual. These mosquitoes are typically active during the day, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon. When an infected mosquito feeds on a person's blood, it injects the dengue virus into the bloodstream. Once inside the human body, the virus begins to replicate and spread.

The individual bitten by the infected mosquito may not immediately experience symptoms, as there is an incubation period that typically ranges from 4 to 10 days. During this time, the virus multiplies within the body. As the infection progresses, symptoms of dengue fever may start to manifest. These symptoms can include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and in some cases, bleeding from the gums or nose.

It's important to note that dengue fever cannot be directly transmitted from one person to another. Instead, the virus relies on the mosquito vector to continue its transmission cycle. Preventing dengue fever involves a multi-faceted approach, including reducing mosquito breeding sites, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and implementing public health measures to control mosquito populations. In regions where dengue is endemic, these preventative measures are crucial to minimizing the risk of contracting this potentially debilitating disease.

Who is at risk from Dengue Fever?

Individuals residing in or traveling to regions where dengue fever is endemic are at risk of contracting the disease. This includes tropical and subtropical areas of the world, such as Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America, where the Aedes mosquito vectors thrive. Dengue fever does not discriminate based on age or gender, making anyone within these areas susceptible. In particular, those who do not have prior exposure to the virus or have not been vaccinated are at a higher risk of infection. Moreover, travelers from non-endemic regions who visit dengue-prone areas can also be at risk, as they lack pre-existing immunity. Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions may face a higher risk of severe dengue complications, so they should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms. Community efforts to control mosquito populations and raise awareness play a vital role in minimizing the risk of dengue fever for everyone living in or visiting these high-risk areas.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever presents a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in severity. Typically, the disease starts with a sudden high fever, often reaching up to 104°F (40°C), accompanied by severe headaches, intense joint and muscle pain, and pain behind the eyes. Additionally, individuals with dengue fever may experience a characteristic rash, which can spread across the body and sometimes be accompanied by mild bleeding from the gums or nose. Fatigue, weakness, and abdominal pain are also common symptoms. While most cases of dengue fever are mild and can be managed with rest and hydration, severe forms of the disease, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, can lead to life-threatening complications, including bleeding disorders and organ failure. Timely medical evaluation and care are essential to monitor and manage symptoms and prevent complications in severe cases.