Dengue spike in Western Province this month what tourists should know
Colombo and Gampaha districts are seeing a dengue case spike per the Epidemiology Unit weekly update mostly serotype DENV 2 As travel medicine I want forum users to share what works What repellent ratio actually works what symptoms warrant the private hospital trip and what should you NOT take if you suspect dengue
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5 Answers from travellers
Use 30 percent DEET or 20 percent picaridin Aedes mosquitoes bite during daylight especially dawn and dusk so repellent in the morning matters more than at night Wear loose long sleeves and trousers Avoid stagnant water and discarded coconut shells Red flag symptoms sudden high fever (39 degree plus) severe retro orbital headache muscle and joint pain (the famous breakbone) rash on day 3 to 5 Go to Asiri Central Nawaloka or Lanka Hospital immediately Do NOT take ibuprofen aspirin or any NSAID it worsens bleeding risk Paracetamol only Stay hydrated rest test FBC daily for platelet drop
I caught DENV 1 in 2024 in Hikkaduwa platelets dropped to 60000 on day 5 from 280000 baseline Three days in hospital with IV fluids Travel insurance covered 4500 USD bill completely
AC plus mosquito screen on the room window is the single best defence at night the Aedes mosquito does not handle cold air well
Picaridin smells better than DEET and does not damage synthetic fabrics or watch straps Brand Sawyer 20 percent lotion lasts 8 hours
My guesthouse fogs the garden every Sunday morning ask your host about their fogging schedule it makes a real difference
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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