Dealing with Dengue: How Informed Are You?

Did you know there were 10 expatriate cases of dengue in the first 10 days of August? Falling ill to the dengue virus is a major concern amongst many in Meulaboh and protecting ourselves from mosquito bites is becoming a greater priority.

In order to find out more about this virus and gather information about how to stay healthy, I interviewed our very own Dr. Russel from Malteser. He shared quite a bit of information that may help debunk several dengue myths, as well as interesting facts that can help us all be more cautious Meulabohites.

Let’s see how well informed you are about dengue by taking this short quiz:

1. When is the most common time to be bit by a mosquito potentially infected with dengue (Aedes aegypti) mosquito?
A) Daytime B) Nighttime C) Anytime

2. True or False: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are more common in rural areas than urban areas.

3. How can we tell the difference between a typical mosquito and an Aedes aegypti mosquito?
A) The Aedes aegypti mosquito’s hind legs are longer than a typical mosquito’s hind legs B) The Aedes aegypti mosquito typically has striped hind legs C) The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites at a 45° angle D) All of the above

4. What are the early symptoms of dengue here in Meulaboh?
A) High fever, headaches and fatigue B) Vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue C) Abdominal cramping and nausea D) Sore throat, sneezing and headaches

5. True or False: Shortly after the tsunami there was a dengue endemic here in Meulaboh

6. True or False: If you’ve had dengue once you can get it again

7. If you experience early symptoms…
A) See a doctor B) Have a blood test C) Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest D) All of the above

8. How can we protect ourselves against dengue?
A) Put screens on our windows B) Use repellant regularly C) Fumigate our house and office D) Use mosquito nets E) All of the above

ANSWERS:
1. A: According to the Center for Disease Control, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are most prevalent between dawn and dusk. Therefore, you’re at greatest risk at your place of work. It is the mosquitoes that carry malaria (Anopheles mosquitoes) that often bite at night.

2. False: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes typically like urban areas and prefer clean, stagnant water. In addition to breeding outside, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes like breeding on wet shower floors and in mandis.

3. D: Interestingly, Aedes aegypti have a unique look to them. Not only do they have long, striped hind legs, they also bite at a 45° angle.

4. A: Dr. Russel said the most common symptoms he’s seen in Meulaboh amongst those infected with dengue are high grade fevers, frontal headaches and fatigue.

5. False: After the tsunami Aceh braced itself for a dengue endemic. Interestingly, however, that didn’t happen. Although there was an abundance of stagnant water in town, it was salt water and unsuitable for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to breed in. Now, however, the salt water has been replaced with fresh rain water and the mosquitoes have returned.

6. True: There are 4 strains of dengue and although you can’t get the same strain of dengue twice, you are susceptible to the remaining 3 strains. Currently, it is not clear how many strains exist in Meulaboh.

7. D: If you are experiencing early symptoms of dengue, it’s recommended you see a doctor and have a blood test as soon as possible. If it seems you are positive you would be encouraged to go to Medan, as there is a rare possibility you may need a blood transfusion. If you have a negative blood type finding a match in Indonesia may be difficult.

8. D: Dr. Russel recommends putting screens on doors and windows, reapplying repellent every 8 hours, having your house and office sprayed, and obtaining a mosquito net.