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Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical areas. Each year, a growing number of Aussie travellers are affected by the tropical illness. Dengue fever can be serious in some instances and medical intervention may be required to treat affected travellers. Even in moderate cases, the average cost to treat dengue fever abroad can be significant (about $7,000).
As there is no current vaccine for dengue fever, it’s essential to take preventative measures and ensure you are covered in the event you do fall ill overseas. Keep reading to learn about how can travel insurance help and what steps you can take to avoid getting dengue fever.
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Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted primarily by infected female mosquitoes. Specifically carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito (also known as the yellow fever mosquito), dengue fever is particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
The symptoms of dengue fever typically include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleed). In some cases, dengue fever can progress to severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.
While there is a dengue fever vaccine, it’s use is restricted and prioritised for those who have already been infected with the virus. The best way to avoid dengue fever is to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.
-Insect repellent: insect repellents containing DEET tend to be more effective than herbal remedies. As aerosols are not permitted on flights, pack a roll-on in your suitcase for convenience.
-Cover up: wear light coloured, long flowing pants and long-sleeved shirts to minimise skin exposure. Use mosquito nets when sleeping.
-Avoid peak mosquito periods: Mosquitos carrying dengue fever are usually more active after sunrise and before sunset. Take extra precautions during these times.
-Remove stagnant water sources: Mosquitos breed in stagnant water sources. Remove any vases or plants with water trays where possible.
There is no specific dengue fever treatment, and, in most cases, patients recover with time. However, pain relief and rest are paramount to recovery. The following tips are
-R&R: Recommended treatment for dengue fever is rest, plenty of hydration, and paracetamol.
-Seek medical attention: If you become severely ill and are unable to take in fluids, seek emergency medical attention promptly.
-Get tested: If you are symptomatic, make sure you confirm your diagnosis with a medical practitioner.
-Contact your travel insurer: If you suspect you may have dengue fever, contact your travel insurer. Your insurer can explain procedures for seeking medical treatment while providing emergency support should you need it.
If you require medical treatment for dengue fever and need to claim, make sure you have the necessary documentation required to complete your claim upon your return home. This will usually include:
-A medical report from your doctor in the country where the event occurred.
-Overseas hospital admission & discharge summary (if you were hospitalised)
-Receipts/proof of payment for out-of-pocket expenses
If you require hospitilisation or emergency medical treatment you should contact your travel insurer as soon as possible.
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1Cover ® is a registered trademark of 1Cover Pty Ltd. 1Cover Pty Ltd ABN 91 105 954 265, is an authorised representative of Coffre-Fort Pty Limited ABN 66 125 358 518, AFS Licence No. 472457. Before you buy, please read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination. Any information contained on this website is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these having regard to the Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’). Before you purchase, please note in particular, the eligibility criteria, travel warnings in place and limitations to claim under multiple policy sections.
This insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia, principal place of business at Level 19, 20 Martin Place, Sydney NSW, 2000. 1Cover's postal address is PO Box 6798, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153, Australia.
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