U.S. health authorities say doctors may be overlooking
or misdiagnosing cases of dengue fever, which is on the
upswing in virtually every tropical country including the
Caribbean and Central America. Symptoms usually include
rashes, nausea, rapid onset of high fevers, and head, joint
and muscle aches. Dengue fever is contracted from
mosquitoes and lasts for about 10 days to two weeks. In its
most severe form, blood vessels become "leaky," leading to a
dangerous and sometimes fatal drop in blood pressure.
In 1995-1996, there were 129 cases in the U.S., but El
Niņo-induced, warm, wet weather has increased cases
significantly, especially among travelers to foreign
lands. Dengue fever killed 40 people in Venezuela in
1997, and infected 32,000. A recent outbreak in Fiji
killed eight and infected 6,500. In the first quarter
of this year, Cairns, Australia, had 133 cases,
compared to eight throughout 1997. In the south of
Costa Rica, seven cases of hemorrhagic dengue have
been detected, and the local hospital receives 50
patients a day suffering from classical dengue.
As there is no vaccine for dengue, the best
defense is mosquito repellent and protective
clothing.