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Dengue Fever

Author: Tom Ryals (---.fv.ks.cox.net)
Date: 01-16-13 01:09

This is an odious subject, but one which seems in order for any tropical location.

It is my understanding that an epidemic of Dengue Fever in Puerto Rico has only recently ended. Apparently Culebra experienced just a couple of cases. Nevertheless, a grasp of the implications of this disorder is certainly practical.

I have done a Google search on the subject, and learned a lot. But it is much more helpful to receive feedback from folks who have actually undergone this ordeal. Some questions on my mind are:

Of all the mosquito repellents being used, Deet seems least satisfactory for long term use because of its toxicity. Of course, this is a personal view. Also in the commercial category, Avon Skin So Soft is touted. Many women say, simply wearing perfume works. By way of alternatives in the home-remedy department, I have read of Vitamin B1, 25-50 mgs two or three times daily (or there is even a B1 bug patch,) self-prepared garlic/lemon oil or self-prepared lemon/eucalyptus oil, vanilla extract at pulse points, lavender flowers rubbed behind ears and at wrists, etc.

For ongoing, permanent use, with the individual in-and-out of the water continually, commercial options become costly. Has anyone tried any of the others I have mentioned? And with what results? I'm particularly interested in Vitamin B1, building-up a two-week reserve in advance. It goes without saying, I'm hopeful of finding something that's sure-fire. It may be that with these little pests traveling in "swarms," as I hear they do, there may be no such thing. Any comments at all on this subject, particularly from residents, would be meaningful.

Another issue on my mind is some idea of the true frequency of Dengue Fever on Culebra. Often people have these experiences but prefer to keep such bouts private. In non-hemorrhagic varieties is one prostrated completely, or can he still negotiate a bit? Does he need a care-giver on hand, or can he do basics for himself? The hemorrhagic type is deadly serious, I know, but less frequent. In any event, with all these considerations, mosquito repellents become ALL IMPORTANT! Agreed? It would be my guess that the hemorrhagic variety would require a patient be hospitalized in San Juan. Correct?

Acquaintances of mine in Costa Rica have had this ailment three or four times. Jimmy Buffett refers to the malady simply as, "breakbone." So I can live forever without it! May it be so!

I am hopeful of hearing from many people on this subject. Your input will be appreciated.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date: 01-16-13 16:04

Well if you are visiting around this time of year and the winds are up around 15 knts I have not found the mosquitoes to be a problem or even around. Summer time with no wind it's a whole other story. I've been going for over 20 years now w/out incident. It's more dangerous on I-95.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Tom Ryals (---.fv.ks.cox.net)
Date: 01-16-13 18:20

Geronimo:

Thanks for the input. Good to know that cooler months under windy conditions are free of this problem.

I'm thinking of going to Culebra for good. I'm of an age where this has become possible. So I will have to deal with all seasons. Having reached advanced years with good health it's natural I should want to hang on to it.

In my youth I spent prolonged periods on Virgin Gorda and on Bequia, and had no incident, nor any serious thought of such things. Same with "breeze," as islanders call hurricanes. Never so much as a significant wind. There was no want of mosquitoes or noseeums, but in the abandon of youth, danger was not something on my radar. I do remember going through a lot of mosquito coils at night, but all of that was just part of the adventure of the tropics.

Today, of course, I know, this was simply a run of good luck. Also, through the years I have learned how fragile the thread which suspends us in life. If you have information on effective, non-toxic repellents, or personal bouts with Dengue Fever, this would be appreciated. Presently I intend to go with B1 (Thiamine.) They say loads of garlic in your diet often do the trick - if you can stand your own body odor.

All in all, I am convinced that fearlessness is one's best defense in all situations. Doubt and misgivings create vulnerability and attract trouble.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date: 01-16-13 20:38

I swear by the B1 and start taking it at least 6 weeks before we come over. At one time, I was the only one in our family who took it. Where we stayed for three nights on Vieques, Sea Gate, was swarming with mosquitoes. I am usually a mosquito magnet but did not get a single bite, while my husband and daughter got eaten alive. Needless to say, the whole family now takes the B1 prior to our coming to Culebra.

Vicki in Tennessee

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Tom Ryals (---.fv.ks.cox.net)
Date: 01-16-13 23:21

Vicki:

This is the most reassuring thing I could read. Thank you so much for reading my ad and coming to my rescue.

A short time before I found your response I had decided to search Google under "first-hand experience with Dengue Fever." Probably you have already gleaned this information elsewhere, but I found these three articles to be decisive in awaking the innocent to the ravages of this disorder.

http://sieterams-journey.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-first-hand-experience-with-dengue.html (This actually gives native remedies in the event one should contract D.F.)

http://infectiousenthusiasm.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/dengue-my-personal-experience-with-break-bone-fever/

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,364426,00.html

Honestly,Vicki, I am a complete optimist, but I believe in having all relevant information, then taking due precaution. Lacking spontaneity? Probably so, but I have no health problems and expect a looooooong life.

Thanks again, dear one, for troubling to make a reply.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Arroz (173.243.87.---)
Date: 01-17-13 15:59

Sorry to say it but everything I have read and all the research I have looked at says that only deet based repellents work for any length of time. There is also now a non-deet based repellent, Naturapel, which the research indicates works as well but it too is really just another chemical. There seem to be great individual differences in how attractive a person is to the mozzies.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date: 01-18-13 12:35

I have been there in the summer months and if the wind dies and it rains they will be out in swams over the next day or two until the winds blows them away. They were so bad they bite over you entire body and you are bleeding like some sort of horror movie. We draped the mosquitoe net over the bed and stayed in it (that house had open eves). you may also want to ask the local Dr. for his recomendations (I forget his name).

Good luck.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Tom Ryals (---.fv.ks.cox.net)
Date: 01-18-13 23:11

Arroz:

Your comments are always worthwhile. Naturapel is a new one for me. Yes, body chemistry among individuals varies so greatly it would be hard to make a prediction. Also, many young mosquitoes have not yet learned, they aren't supposed to disturb anyone who has taken the trouble to scent himself with vanilla extract!

But seriously, I thought Vicki's testimony was persuasive, and she is speaking with regard to two distinct occasions, and of experiences among several people. I will definitely try B1, as per her example. Anyway, the idea of an internalized repellent is so keen, how could one not choose to be on "the cutting edge???" We'll see.

While I have visited many places in those latitudes, personally, I have never encountered mosquitoes in "swarms." This is undoubtedly due to the presence of mangroves.

Thanks again for your help.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: Tom Ryals (---.fv.ks.cox.net)
Date: 01-18-13 23:31

Geronimo:

Glad to hear from you again. I had a sneaking suspicion that something was being held back. Glad to see that you took the highroad! That's the spirit.

Yes, the open building style, thatch huts and such, have great appeal. Personally, I've never had occasion to try this type of accommodation, but have longed for the opportunity. That's the way it "ought'a be," as Tennessee Williams might say. Everybody knows that a thatch hut was Gauguin's epiphany in the Pacific.

The report of your personal horror movie was an eye-opener. Honestly, I didn't know the problem could reach that extreme. Your sharing is much appreciated.

Now that you've painted the entire picture for us, Geronimo's devotion to Culebra can only be seen as true love.

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Re: Dengue Fever

Author: joan spear (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date: 02-21-13 16:37

Dengue is very real and a horrific virus. 5 out of 7 of my family contracted Dengue Fever at the end of January in Virgin Gorda. The mosquitos breed indoors, they are very small, they bite during the day, NOT at dusk or dawn, they breed in very small amounts of water- like 1 ounce of water sitting around in a vase, no kidding.

It is important to be aware of the places they breed and clear them from your home, room, patio.

If you can let others know about this I cannot say how important it is to be warned. NO ONE told us about the possibility or we would have worn bug dope during the day instead of only at night.

The tourism boards are afraid people will not travel if they know the truth. But the truth is better than this disease. We have been sick for weeks, including a trip to the hospital for dehydration. It is frightening and painful and drags on and on- rashes, headaches, fevers, body pain, shaking, exhaustion.

PASS IT ON, FOLKS!!!!!

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