Protect Yourself from Dengue in Bangkok

Now don’t get all alarmed here, but according to Thailand’s Health Ministry, the number of dengue fever cases is increasing in Thailand. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is also known as break-bone fever which gives you an idea of the pain of it. Plus it can kill a person. There is no vaccination, so all you have in defense is prevention.

Unlike malaria which most people think is most likely to lurk out there in the remote areas, dengue likes people. A lot. In fact, they are more likely to bite you at home or in your hostel than while you are out and about Bangkok.

The mosquito that carries dengue is Aedes aegypti, and since they are unlikely to be carrying business cards, here’s how to watch for them: They prefer to be indoors and that’s where they typically bite you. They move quickly from side to side. The bite is barely noticeable. This mosquito prefers your feet and ankles and will often attack from under your chair. So be aware of dark places near the floor: under your bed at the hostel, in the closet, etc. Afraid to go to sleep now? Don’t be. They generally hunt during daylight hours.

My problems with mosquitoes in Bangkok are relatively few, and generally occur at night in areas near greenery such as a restaurant garden terrace. Awareness is the most important matter; then just use mosquito repellent when the circumstances call for it.