Dengue fever is a serious mosquito-borne illness, particularly in tropical countries like the Philippines. If you're planning to visit dengue-prone areas such as Metro Manila, Calabarzon, or parts of Mindanao, it’s crucial to take proper precautions to protect your family. This guide will help you stay safe and reduce the risk of dengue infection while traveling.

Precautions Before Travel:


Before embarking on your trip, here are some essential steps to prepare for dengue-prone areas:

1. Wear Protective Clothing
   Pack long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to minimize skin exposure to mosquito bites, especially during peak mosquito activity times, such as dawn and dusk.
   
   
2. Use Mosquito Repellents
   Apply mosquito repellents, such as Bite Block’s DEET-free formulas, on exposed skin and clothing. These repellents are effective in preventing mosquito bites, and it’s essential to reapply them every four hours or as needed.
   
   
3. Choose Safe Accommodations
   Stay in lodgings with air conditioning or screened windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. If screens aren't available, consider using mosquito nets over beds for added protection.

During Travel:

While traveling in dengue-prone areas, travelers should remain vigilant and take the following precautions:

1. Avoid High-Risk Areas
   Mosquitoes thrive near standing water such as ponds, puddles, or water containers. Avoid these areas whenever possible to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
   
   
2. Practice Good Hygiene
   Wash your hands frequently with soap, especially before meals or touching your face. Good hygiene can help reduce other health risks during travel as well.
   
   
3. Monitor for Dengue Symptoms
   Even after you return home, watch for dengue symptoms such as high fever, headache, joint pain, or skin rash. If any symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Stay Protected with Bite Block

For maximum mosquito protection, Bite Block offers a range of mosquito repellents tailored for different situations:

• Bite Block Kids Lotion: Safe for children 6 months and up, this mild picaridin-based formula offers strong protection without harsh chemicals.
• Bite Block Naturals Citronella Spray: Ideal for outdoor adventures, this repellent uses Citronella, Eucalyptus, and Andiroba oils to keep mosquitoes away. Safe for babies 6 months and up.
• Bite Block CoComelon Patches: These fun, easy-to-use patches are infused with natural ingredients and are perfect for young kids.
• Bite Block Sand Mite Spray: Heading to the beach? Protect your family from sand mites, sand flies, and mosquitoes. This repellent is the first of its kind, safe for kids 1 year and older.

Traveling to dengue-prone areas requires preparation, but with the right precautions, you can ensure your family stays safe and enjoys a worry-free trip.

Sources:

•  World Health Organization. (n.d.). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Dengue prevention. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevent/index.html
• American Mosquito Control Association. (n.d.). Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://www.mosquito.org/page/ProtectYourself
• U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Travel advisories. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
• PubMed. (n.d.). Dengue research articles. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/