Summer Travel Alert – What You Should Know About ‘Breakbone Fever’

(KMDL-FM) If you go back in history to things that sound scary but haven't turned out to be so far, I would nominate "Murder Hornets". Those were a thing during the COVID pandemic, but we haven't heard too much about them since. Well, apparently there is no need to let your guard down because we have something new to worry about: it's called "breakbone fever," and yes, that name is just as disconcerting as "Murder Hornet," if you ask me.

READ MORE: What's It Like to be Stung By a Murder Hornet?

Breakbone fever is one of the many maladies one can contract from contact with mosquitoes. That's a nine-dollar way of saying the disease is spread through mosquito bites. And here in Louisiana, and many other parts of the world, we have issues with mosquitoes. But does that mean we'll have an issue with breakbone fever?

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Can You Catch Breakbone Fever in Louisiana?

The answer to that question is "maybe". Okay, let's put it in real terms: if you stay put in Louisiana and the United States, your chances of contracting breakbone fever are diminished by a lot. However, if you travel outside of the United States to areas of the world where mosquitoes also live, you could really enhance your chances.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just issued a travel alert aimed at American tourists who might be venturing into areas of the world where breakbone fever, also known as dengue, is becoming an issue.

What Are the Symptoms of Breakbone Fever?

The disease can be fatal, so it is something any traveler should be aware of. However, a fatal outcome is not the most likely scenario for someone who contracts the disease and is in reasonably good health at the time.

The CDC estimates that 25% of those who are infected with the virus will actually get sick. Symptoms can range from mild to severe; as we mentioned, the disease can be fatal. But most often, those who experience symptoms will notice fever, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and aches and pains in muscles, joints, and especially behind the eyes.

READ MORE: Travel Advisories Posted for Popular Spring Break Destinations

Only about 1 in 20 will develop serious symptoms. Still, the CDC is urging travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites while traveling. This would include applying insect repellent and wearing protective clothing when necessary.

The CDC Travel Alert was issued for the following destinations. The countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, New Caledonia, Pakistan, Samoa, Sudan, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.