Alert issued for travelers: Epidemic of lethal virus intensifies at crowded tourist destination, potentially endangering over half the global population.
Heading to Fiji this summer? Better bring some heavy-duty bug spray!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a cautionary alert for the tropical paradise, as dengue fever cases are skyrocketing across the Western Pacific.
Fiji's government is sweating bullets over the situation. "About half the world's population is now at risk for dengue, with an estimated 100-400 million infections occurring every year," the World Health Organization (WHO) mentioned in a recent report, with countries such as Mexico, Canada, and numerous spots in the Caribbean and Latin America also showing an upward trend in cases.
Dengue, a potentially dangerous virus spread by mosquitoes, typically starts with a high fever, a pounding headache, unbearable muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. Some individuals may also complain of eye pain. There's no cure for it, but in mild cases, over-the-counter pain meds can alleviate some of the symptoms. In severe cases - known as dengue hemorrhagic fever - symptoms can escalate to bleeding, breathing difficulties, and intense abdominal pain.
The Central Division alone has documented over 1,000 dengue cases from January to late March, according to the Fijian Government. They've warned that the March surge is higher than the anticipated [dengue] levels for the same period last year.
The World Mosquito Program stated 2024 as the "worst year on record for dengue," and the numbers aren't slowing down. In the US, the CDC has marked dengue as a level 1 health alert, recommending travelers "practice normal precautions."
"Spring and summer travel coincide with the peak season for dengue in many countries, increasing the chances of both travel-related and locally acquired cases in the United States," the CDC wrote in its recent advisory.
Tourists are being urged to look after themselves by spraying on EPA-approved insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and snoozing in air-conditioned rooms or those with screened windows.
And it's not only Fiji feeling the mosquito bite.
The CDC has highlighted several other destinations with dengue fever hot spots, such as Brazil, Colombia, and the Philippines - all reporting more dengue cases among American travelers returning to US soil.
With climate change causing unpredictable weather patterns like heavier rains and flooding, experts fear these conditions provide the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and the spread of the virus. "If we proceed to release planet-warming gases into our atmosphere through industrial pollution, landfills, and other forms of pollution, dengue and other vector-borne diseases will only intensify," the Fiji Government warned.
- In Fiji, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises bringing heavy-duty bug spray due to a surge in dengue fever cases.
- Dengue fever cases are rising dramatically across the Western Pacific, according to the CDC.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) states that about half the world's population is at risk for dengue, with up to 400 million infections occurring annually.
- Countries like Mexico, Canada, and numerous spots in the Caribbean and Latin America are also experiencing an increase in dengue cases.
- Dengue is a virus spread by mosquitoes that typically starts with a high fever, severe headache, extreme muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash.
- Some individuals may also experience eye pain from dengue.
- There's no cure for dengue, but mild cases can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- In severe cases, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, symptoms can worsen to bleeding, breathing difficulties, and intense abdominal pain.
- Fiji has documented over 1,000 dengue cases from January to late March, surpassing the anticipated levels for the same period last year.
- The World Mosquito Program predicts 2024 will be the worst year on record for dengue, and the numbers aren't slowing down.
- In the US, the CDC has marked dengue as a level 1 health alert, recommending travelers practice normal precautions.
- Spring and summer travel may increase the chances of both travel-related and locally acquired dengue cases in the US, according to the CDC.
- Tourists are being urged to use EPA-approved insect repellents, wear long sleeves and long pants, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or those with screened windows.
- Brazil, Colombia, and the Philippines are other destinations with dengue fever hot spots, reporting more dengue cases among American travelers returning home.
- Climate change impacts such as heavier rains and flooding may contribute to the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and the spread of the virus.
- If greenhouse gas emissions continue, vector-borne diseases like dengue will likely intensify, according to the Fiji Government.
- Science has a vital role to play in understanding, preventing, and treating dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
- Proper workplace-wellness initiatives can help manage the impact of dengue and other medical conditions like chronic diseases and cancers.
- Good sleep hygiene and effective stress management in the workplace are essential for overall health and wellness.
- Dengue isn't the only health concern for travelers; respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing problems, and skin conditions can also pose risks.
- Fitness and exercise, sexual health, and mental health are some other crucial aspects of health-and-wellness to consider while traveling.
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may require special attention during travel.
- Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can be exacerbated by travel, necessitating proper management and care.
- Men's health, including prostate health, is another essential consideration during travel.
- Skin-care routines should be adapted for different climate and environmental conditions while traveling.
- Therapies and treatments for various health issues, including nutrition, age-related conditions, and women's health, should be researched and planned for prior to travel.
- Parenting and weight management can become challenges during travel for families with young children.
- Cardiovascular health is another critical aspect to consider when planning travels, especially for those with existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Medicare coverage and medication access must be evaluated when planning senior travel.
- CBD and other natural remedies may provide relief for travelers suffering from neurological disorders such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
- Lifestyle choices like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress during travel and improve overall well-being.
