Is dengue fever a big risk in April, and how to protect myself!
I am travelling with my family in April. We plan to visit the Cultural Triangle and the south coast. I read about dengue fever and I am a bit worried. How common is it really for tourists to catch it? What are the best practical steps to avoid mosquito bites over there?
2 Answers
Dengue is a reality in Sri Lanka, but it should not cause you to cancel or ruin your trip with anxiety. It is primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day, particularly early morning and late afternoon.
As a tourist, your risk is relatively low if you take basic precautions. Most tourist accommodations use mosquito nets or have air conditioning, which keeps them away.
Practical steps:
1. Wear loose, light coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs during the early morning and late afternoon.
2. Use a good repellent. The local brand "Soffell" or anything containing DEET or Picaridin works best. Apply it like sunscreen.
3. If you get a sudden high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes, do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Only take Paracetamol. Go to a local clinic for a quick blood test. The healthcare system here is very familiar with treating it quickly.
To add to Maheshs point, April is generally considered an intermonsoonal month. It can be quite hot and humid, with some evening showers. The mosquitoes breed in stagnant clean water left after rains. When visiting ancient ruins in the Cultural Triangle (like Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa), you will be walking near jungle areas and ancient ponds. Apply your repellent before you leave the hotel for these excursions, and carry a small bottle with you to reapply if you sweat it off.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to Answer🔥 Popular tags
Related
Fair TukTuk Prices
Help travelers avoid overcharging!
Be the first to report a price