The Australian government has issued a warning for travelers visiting Bali in April 2024 due to an increase in Dengue Fever cases. As of April 2024, Bali has reported 4,177 cases and 5 deaths from Dengue Fever. This guide will provide you with essential information on preventing Dengue Fever, ensuring a safe and enjoyable vacation in Bali.
How common is dengue fever in Bali?
Being a tropical island, dengue fever in Bali is quite common. Bali ranks among the top three provinces in Indonesia for Dengue Fever cases. Previously high incidence: In 2020, Bali had the highest dengue incidence in Indonesia, with around 270 cases per 100,000 people.
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes variety, most commonly the Aedes aegypti. This mosquito thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, making Bali a potential breeding ground. There are actually four closely related Dengue viruses, any of which can cause the illness.
When an Aedes mosquito bites someone infected with Dengue fever, the virus enters the mosquito and multiplies. If the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus can be transmitted through the bite, causing them to become sick.
The rainy season, typically from April to June in Bali, creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Stagnant water allows mosquito populations to flourish, increasing the risk of bites and transmission of Dengue fever.
Dengue fever symptoms
Dengue fever symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Here’s a breakdown of the common symptoms:
- Sudden high fever: This is often the first sign of Dengue fever, typically reaching up to 104°F (40°C).
- Severe headaches: These headaches can be intense and often described as being behind the eyes.
- Muscle and joint pain: This widespread pain can be severe and is sometimes referred to as “break-bone fever” due to its intensity.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseous and experiencing vomiting are frequent occurrences with Dengue fever.
- Rash: A red, itchy rash may appear on the skin, typically after a few days of fever.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. If you experience them while traveling in Bali, especially during the rainy season when Dengue fever is more prevalent, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dengue fever prevention
While dengue fever is common in Bali, we can do the prevention to avoid dengue fever in Bali such as:
- Use mosquito repellent like Autan
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks whenever possible
- Good air-conditioned villa/houses
- If there are many mosquitoes in your area, consider using mosquito nets for additional protection.
- If you are staying in a villa, please ask the housekeeping to regularly check and empty any potential mosquito breeding sites
Fogging is a common practice in some areas of Bali to control mosquito breeding. While this helps reduce mosquito populations, it’s important to take precautions as the fog may contain insecticides. If you encounter fogging during your trip, consider covering your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth for added protection.
Dengue fever treatment
Since there’s no specific cure for dengue fever, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If you experience any symptoms like sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or a red rash, see a doctor right away.
Bali advises tourists to explore dengue fever vaccination due to rising cases, but emphasizes consulting healthcare providers. While a dengue fever vaccine exists, it’s not universally effective and may have limitations As of December 2023, Dengvaxia is the only approved dengue vaccine in Australia. Please refer to the the healthcare professional for vaccine.
Dengue Vaccine in Bali
As this is a very concern issue regarding someone’s health, we can’t suggest anything. But as per our research, Siloam Hospital in Jakarta is selling Dengue Vaccine for IDR700K roughly USD50 or EUR40. For Bali, you may contact Siloam Hospital office in Bali.
