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If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical getaway, you might want to check Canada’s latest travel advisories before booking that flight. The government has recently issued travel notices for 47 different countries due to a rise in dengue fever cases, and the symptoms sound pretty unpleasant.
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and it’s more common than you might think in tropical and subtropical areas. It mostly pops up in urban or semi-urban regions, so your chances of encountering it could be higher if you’re visiting places like beach resorts or busy cities.
If you get them, dengue fever symptoms typically show up 4-7 days after a mosquito bite. It feels like the flu but cranked up a notch. Look out for symptoms like sudden high fever, nasty headaches, pain behind your eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rashes.
Most people who get symptoms recover within a week, but in some cases, dengue fever can turn severe. Severe dengue fever can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and, in fewer than 1% of cases, death. While your chances of becoming severely ill are small, it’s not something you want to gamble with—especially if you’ve had dengue before, which can increase your risk of complications.
The travel advisory, most recently updated on Monday, October 28, covers a long list of destinations, many of which are hotspots for Canadians looking for a sun-soaked escape. Some of the countries flagged include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.
The full list includes 46 countries, from Latin America to Africa to Southeast Asia, so it’s wise to check if your next vacation destination is affected before booking flights or organizing travel insurance.
Since there’s no vaccine or medication to prevent dengue fever in Canada, planning ahead is key. Government officials suggest using an approved insect repellent and applying it correctly, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs, and sleeping in indoor areas that are completely enclosed or well-screened.
If you feel symptoms while travelling—or even after returning home—it’s important to get checked by a doctor ASAP. Early treatment can make a big difference.
Dengue fever isn’t new, but the increase in outbreaks worldwide is something to be aware of. According to the government, dengue cases are on the rise in urban areas of tropical and subtropical countries.
Around 400 million people are infected globally each year, and up to 300 of those cases are among Canadians returning from abroad. The actual number could be much higher because many people don’t show symptoms.
If you are travelling to one of the countries on the list, don’t panic. This is a Level 1 travel notice, meaning you should take standard precautions but don’t need to cancel your plans. Just make sure you’re prepared, especially if you’re headed to a high-risk area during the local rainy season.
Here’s the complete list of countries flagged (as of Monday, October 28, 2024) for dengue risks:
- Afghanistan
- Argentina
- Bangladesh
- Bonaire
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Cabo Verde
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Ethiopia
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- Ghana
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Indonesia
- Jamaica
- Malaysia
- Mali
- Mexico
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Puerto Rico
- Saint-Barthélemy
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saint Lucia
- Senegal
- Sint Maarten
- Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Togo
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- U.S. Virgin Islands
If you’re planning a trip to any of these destinations, visiting a travel health clinic around six weeks before you leave is a good idea. They can help you prep with personalized advice on how to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever.
While it’s tempting to focus on the sunny beaches and palm trees at your destination, don’t forget to check any government travel advisories before you go.
So pack that repellent, cover up, and enjoy your trip. Safe travels, Montreal!
