Traveling to Ecuador; Understanding the Health Implications of Travel

Considered a tropical travel location, Ecuador is a vacation destination sought by many international travelers. When traveling to Ecuador, preparation should involve understanding the health status of this South American region of the world. Most importantly, Ecuador has experienced an epidemic of Dengue Fever, a viral infection contracted from mosquitoes. Understanding the origin of Dengue Fever, symptoms of Dengue Fever, preventions and treatment will ensure a more safe and pleasant travel experience to this South American tropical vacation destination.

Transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes, Dengue Fever is a viral infection, with a variety of strains, resulting in illness and symptoms varying in severity. Unlike most mosquito activity, the Dengue Fever hosting mosquito does not remain active only during sunrise and sunset. In fact, the Dengue hosted mosquito will remain active throughout the day thus providing a health hazard to travelers 24 hours per day.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever generally represent similar to that of the influenza virus. In rare cases, Dengue Fever can be fatal with death attributed to hemorrhaging activity. While in Ecuador, if bitten by a Dengue Fever hosted mosquito, symptoms generally begin within four to six days. Symptoms of Denuge Fever may include a sudden spike in fever, severe headache with pain behind the eye region and general aches and pains throughout the body. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may be present. With symptoms of Dengue Fever progressively worsening over 10 days, resolution, generally, does not occur for 30 days, well after the vacation to Ecuador has ended. As a result, Dengue Fever is an illness every traveler should diligently work to avoid so as not to miss the opportunity for a pleasant South American travel and vacation experience. So, what are the prevention options?

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine currently available for Dengue Fever. The first line of defense, when traveling to Ecuador, is in the form of prevention including appropriate use of mosquito repellant containing DEET. Additionally, it is recommended that travelers wear light weight, lightly colored, long sleeved clothing so as to prevent the attraction of the day biting mosquito. If diagnosed with Dengue Fever, while on vacation in Ecuador, the traveler should rest and drink plenty of water. Although Dengue Fever can not be transmitted from human to human, the patient should be kept in an area away from mosquitoes so as to prevent further contact and transmission, by mosquito, to other South American travelers and residents.

Ecuador is a beautiful country, full of adventure. Traveling to this region of the world will provide each traveler with a vacation and experience never to be forgotten. Full of tropical and subtropical wildlife and beautiful natural settings, traveling to Ecuador is highly recommended despite the rare health implications of Dengue Fever. To ensure a pleasant traveling experience, prior to vacationing in South American, each traveler should become aware of the Dengue Fever prevention measures in addition to the symptoms of the illness when infected.