Dengue 2012 on rise? conflicting reports: To go or not to go?

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lalabalakala

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Dengue on rise in Bonaire predicted to rise more? Conflicting reports. 668 people known infected from Aug 2010 - Aug 2011. Some govt official says under control. Some mosq prevent co. says epidemic.
Self serving interests aside whats going on. Any unspun hard stats?

We were there Aug 2009 and Aug 2010, no problem.

I did get dengue in October 1991 in Bonaire - mosquitos were vampiric then. Wow, sickness was intense. Got over it pretty quickly tho but could not dive for rest of time there. This gives me immunity over that particular strain but leaves me vulnerable to the 3 other known strains - and at increased risk of hemorrhagic dengue from the other 3 strains because of prev infection. bummer.

I tuff enuff -I no worry about me but worry about my teen. We're booked to go in Aug 2012, but still time to cancel.
Vacillating.
I love love love that little island.

google bonaire dengue 2012

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/sho...d.php?p=448076 (google translate if needed)
 
I am in the same position . Got a good hit of Dengue Feb 2010 while on Bonaire . Unlike you I felt the symptoms for many weeks . Headache from hell as well as the break bone effect .
It makes its way to the Islands from South America as goods are delivered daily .
I was going to go back this year but was detered due to the rise of cases and no govt program yet in effect to curb the spread .
This year I am trying another Island further to the north instead .
 
I don't think the particular island really matters that much. Dengue was bad on Cozumel over the past year too. We were on Bonaire in Sept. with no issues. If you stay in a windy place, wear bug spray (which I never do), or stay inside at sundown you will be fine. We went to Curacao the year before which was encountering a Dengue outbreak at that time and still no issues. It doesn't deter me from going back. If you like to dive in the tropics it is one of the factors you have to deal with.
 
Because I am living in Curacao I don't have the choice to go or not to go. I have had dengue twice some years ago. Dengue is breaking out every year mostly in the rainy season (October - March). I don't take any special precautions; I would advise to use insect repellent while you are in a region with mosquitoes. The chance of getting dengue is small; I would not consider this a major factor in planning my vacation.
 
I have been living and traveling in the Caribbean since 87. Dengue has been around for sure. I had it once but a mild case thank goodness. I see waves of it throughout the islands. I book thousands of vacations and in all those years, one client contracted Dengue. Don't worry about it, just come down and have fun.
 
agree with overall sentiments. got dengue in curacao november of 2010. was back on bonaire summer of 2011 and winter of 2012.
i am vigilant about mosquitoes but I am guessing everyone is. not sure though if i'll ever go back in the rainy season ie november. not sure i am feeling that confident. may have nothing to do with it but...
 
Which mosquito is it that carries dengue? The little ones that you can barely see or the larger "striped" ones?
 
Mosquito with black white stripes, several species of genus Aedus (same genus that carries other nasties such as yellow fever) , photo here Aedes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dengue mosquito bite during the day, after dawn and early evening.

CDC approves 2 other repellents besides Deet :
1. Picaridin (Cutter Advanced 7%Picadirin)
2. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (Repel Lemon Eucalyptus)
CDC: West Nile Virus - Updated Insect Repellent

I've used Repel Lemon Euc with very good success. I even spray screen door and the mosquitos scatter and don't come back for hours. ( I live in FL).
I've heard people have had very good success with Picadarin and it won't eat thru dive gear.
I won't use Deet - can cause seizures in small kids, says do not use on face or where open skin/cuts, wash off before coming indoors, don't apply indoors,etc - chemical is in the nasty toluene family. Deet also will eat thru your dive gear and wetsuit. Just saw this - good timing:
Dengue Fever Travel Precautions - Dengue Fever Health Information - NY Times Health

I've used Avon SkinSoSoft for gnats/noseeums but doesn't work for me for mosquitos, altho other people like it.
 
thanks lalabalakala will try that out (
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus)!!!​

---------- Post added ----------

just ordered it from amazon, will use it when I am on Bonaire this summer :D
 
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https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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