MICHAEL SMITH: If you're packing
for a trip
somewhere nice and warm,
don't forget your bug spray.
That will help keep you
safe from dengue fever, a virus
spread by mosquitoes
in tropical and subtropical
areas of the world.
Once an infected mosquito bites
someone, they can get a fever,
headaches, and pain
in the joints, muscles, bones,
and behind the eyes.
Some people get a rash
and have nausea and vomiting.
It sounds awful, but most people
recover in a week or so.
But if the symptoms get worse
and you don't see a doctor,
it can become life threatening.
There is unfortunately
no vaccine or cure
for dengue fever,
so if you think you have it,
rest, drink plenty of fluids,
and take a pain reliever
with acetaminophen.
Don't take aspirin.
If you feel worse
after the first 24 hours,
make sure you get treatment.
For WebMD, I'm Dr. Michael
Smith.
