Dengue Fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Oceania, Africa, Central & South America and the Caribbean. Transmission occurs predominantly in urban and semi-urban areas, but may also occur in rural areas. Epidemic transmission is generally seasonal with highest risk during and immediately after the rainy season.

Advice to travellers: We urge Australians travelling to all tropical destinations, especially Latin America, the Caribbean and SE Asia, to pack an effective insect repellent containing DEET or Citriodiol. Apply it to exposed areas regularly when outdoors at all times – even within the confines of resorts and hotels. There is no vaccine for dengue: preventing mosquito bites is the only way to avoid risk.