Talking Points – Dengue in Fiji
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The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when talking about dengue in Fiji. (May 12, 2017)
1. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Watch (practice usual precautions) for Fiji, due to a dengue outbreak.
2. There are simple precautions travelers can take to minimize their risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.
1. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Watch (practice usual precautions) for Fiji, due to a dengue outbreak.
The CDC has issued a Level 1 Watch, because 913 cases of dengue have been identified in Fiji from January to April 2017.
o According to the Fiji Ministry of Health, “during the Summer months in particular, dengue is a real and present danger and if not managed properly, can turn into a major epidemic.”
Radio New Zealand reports that “most of the cases were recorded on the main island of Viti Levu.”
o “National Advisor for Communicable Diseases, Mike Kama, said in the report that ten percent of people with dengue this year needed to be hospitalised.”
The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation says, “National Advisor Communicable Diseases, Dr. Mike Kama confirms one person has died during this period but there were other related complications.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitos:
o “Dengue should be suspected when a high fever (40°C/104°F) is accompanied by 2 of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rash. Symptoms usually last for 2–7 days, after an incubation period of 4–10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.”
The CDC states: “Most people infected have mild or no symptoms. About 1 in 4 people infected with dengue will get sick. Mild symptoms of dengue may be confused with other illnesses that cause fever and flu-like illness. Most people will recover after about one week.”
o “The most common symptoms of dengue are fever and one or more of the following symptoms: headache; eye pain (typically behind the eyes); muscle, joint, or bone pain; rash; nausea and vomiting; or unusual bleeding (nose or gum bleed, small red spots under the skin, or unusual bruising).”
It is important to note that the CDC is not recommending against travel to Fiji.
2. There are simple precautions travelers can take to minimize their risk of being bitten by a dengue-infected mosquito.
The best way for travelers to avoid dengue is to avoid mosquito bites.
o The CDC offers travelers a fact sheet about avoiding bug bites, including mosquitoes.
To prevent mosquito bites, it is recommended that travelers:
o Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
o Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE, also called para-menthane-diol [PMD]), IR3535, or 2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone). Always use as directed.
o Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label.
o Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children older than 2 months. (OLE should not be used on children younger than 3 years.)
o Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
o Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
o Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
o Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.
Preventing mosquito bites is the critical factor in preventing dengue, as there are no medicine or vaccines available in the United States for prevention.
o A vaccine has been developed, but is not available to travelers, only to those living in a dengue endemic area.
The WHO reports that: “In late 2015 and early 2016, the first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) by Sanofi Pasteur, was registered in several countries for use in individuals 9-45 years of age living in endemic areas. WHO recommends that countries should consider introduction of the dengue vaccine CYD-TDV only in geographic settings (national or subnational) where epidemiological data indicate a high burden of disease.”
If a traveler believes they have the symptoms of dengue, the CDC recommends:
o Seek medical attention immediately.
o Tell your health care provider about your travel.
o “Use acetaminophen. Do not take pain relievers that contain aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil), it may lead to a greater tendency to bleed.”
o “Get lots of rest, and drink plenty of liquids.”
o “Avoid spreading the disease by preventing more mosquito bites.”
No medications are available specifically for dengue. The CDC notes that clinicians should treat symptoms, relieve fever and pain and reduce further transmission of dengue from the infected person.
3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
o Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
o Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require an alternate travel arrangements.
We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs. Most insurance companies provide special policies that allow travelers to “cancel for any reason.”
We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.
o By working with a trusted travel professional, we can provide providing alternative travel arrangements should the need arise.
o Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.
