Dengue

[Tupelo]

Hi everyone,

We are bringing our 17 month old boy for a 1 month trip to Thailand in August this year.

We will be traveling in Bangkok and Hua Hin.

Since I am very afraid of my son getting dengue, does anyone have any advice on how to protect him from mosquito bites?

When in Thailand my husband and I are using yellow Sketolene(DEET 20%) so maybe we should use the same for our son?

We would be spending a lot of time in Hua Hin outdoors, by the swimming pool and our son would be wearing a bathing suit that covers his whole arms and 3/4 of his legs and a hat and bathing shoes.

Is it a good idea to spray mosquito repellent on his hat?

Is the whole idea of bringing a 17 month old to Thailand in rain season just stupid?

My husband and I are would really really love to come back to Thailand but we just don't know if that is a good idea.

We have been to Thailand many times in rain season and had no trouble at all.

Am I just being overprotective?

I would love to hear about your experience and opinion.

Thanks

Tupelo from Denmark

[Sheryl]

Yes, apply mosquito repellent. there are non- toxic alternatives (citronella) you might like to try if concerned about using insecticide on the child.

If it's any comfort, the majority of cases of dengue in children are "simple dengue" -- a self limiting viral illness which is not dangerous. the hemorrhagic form occurs in only a small percentage of those infected. it is thought to be most common when it is a second or third infection rather than the first.

As to whether to bring your child to Thailand, only you can decide that, but I will say that if you do, the greatest risk to the child (as it is to everyone coming here) is not dengue but traffic accidents. Bring a car seat with you as you will undoubtedly be taking taxis and the like.