Post Recreated: Originally posted - 13 August 2002
From various www-sites I can sense that Dengue Mosquito activity is on an increase, with some thousand instances of Dengue reported in T&T. Anybody here have a view on what shape Tobago is in at the moment, and the outlooks for the next couple of months? What risk does it mean for a traveller with kids?
Dengue....
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 20 August 2002
I occasionally correspond via e-mail with a man from Sweden who summers on Tobago. Lucky guy -- he can telecommute. He rents an apartment from a local family near Crown Point. I e-mailed him, asking about dengue fever. Here's his reply (English is not his first language):
Apparently, life goes on in Tobago. It certainly seems that there's no plague. He will be there until the end of August. I'm still planning to go in February.
On the Atlantic side of the island (Blue Waters Inn, Tobago Hilton, Blue Haven Hotel) there's usually a strong sea breeze. I understand that mosquitoes have difficulty flying in strong wind and that they are less mobile when chilled by air-conditioning.
Also, in Steve's earlier post, a doctor was quoted as saying that dengue is endemic in the U.S. That statement may be a little bit misleading, as the U.S. is a big country. There have been cases in Hawaii and in Texas, but it's not certain -- from what I've read -- if the cases were contracted there or while traveling outside the country. But there's nothing to prevent it from spreading in the South, I guess. Right now, my worry in Massachusetts (on the U.S. Atlantic coast) is west nile virus, also mosquito-transmitted. Only one person in my state of 6 million has got it this year, but more than 50 people have it in Louisiana. Those **&&^%$$#* mosquitoes! Diana, slap, slap
I occasionally correspond via e-mail with a man from Sweden who summers on Tobago. Lucky guy -- he can telecommute. He rents an apartment from a local family near Crown Point. I e-mailed him, asking about dengue fever. Here's his reply (English is not his first language):
The Dengue fever is here in Tobago too, but the goverment are fighting the mosquitos both in Trinidad and Tobago every week, even here in the Crown Point area. Of course, there is moore mosquitos higher up in Tobago because there is more fain forrest, but so far I know there is no real danger here. I am using an electronic bug killer in my bedroom wich keeps the flyes and the mosquitis away, in the other part of the house I am using those green spirals with a heavy smoke. I suppose you know what I mean, if not, the elec. bug killer is into every supermarket.
It is also so that there is four different types of Dengue fever, and only two of them are dangerous. For two weeks I also read in the paper that doctors at a lab in Trinidad have found that some of the cases wich they tought was dengue fever was not. It is something else, a virus wich give same symtoms as it was dengue. But that virus is not dangerous at all, they did not know at that time what it was. So, it might be so that some of the reports of Dengue fever are false.
Anywhere, I do not have any problem with the mosquitos now, and if you are here in the dry season the problem should be even less.
Apparently, life goes on in Tobago. It certainly seems that there's no plague. He will be there until the end of August. I'm still planning to go in February.
On the Atlantic side of the island (Blue Waters Inn, Tobago Hilton, Blue Haven Hotel) there's usually a strong sea breeze. I understand that mosquitoes have difficulty flying in strong wind and that they are less mobile when chilled by air-conditioning.
Also, in Steve's earlier post, a doctor was quoted as saying that dengue is endemic in the U.S. That statement may be a little bit misleading, as the U.S. is a big country. There have been cases in Hawaii and in Texas, but it's not certain -- from what I've read -- if the cases were contracted there or while traveling outside the country. But there's nothing to prevent it from spreading in the South, I guess. Right now, my worry in Massachusetts (on the U.S. Atlantic coast) is west nile virus, also mosquito-transmitted. Only one person in my state of 6 million has got it this year, but more than 50 people have it in Louisiana. Those **&&^%$$#* mosquitoes! Diana, slap, slap
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4842
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
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Post Recreated: Originally posted - 15 August 2002
Sorry for the delay, but I’m having some difficulty researching the matter. Hopefully further replies to the dozen or so emails I’ve sent out to various TT and international government and health organisations will clarify the matter over the coming days. I will update this post as appropriate.
In summary, however, I understand that whilst there is a dengue problem at the moment – it is far more associated with Trinidad than Tobago.
From the point of view of visitors to Tobago, dengue does not appear to be a significant problem and I am advised to simply reiterate the normal sensible advice that one should adhere to at all times in every tropical destination.
It may be useful if I quote a helpful reply from Dr Eldonna Boisson of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), based in Trinidad:
* Dengue is endemic to most tropical areas of the world - including the U.S.A. – not just the Caribbean [SMW]
The only statistics that have been published are total cases for all T&T – not just Tobago. Quoting these figures here would be misleading because they are based upon the combined population of more than 1.3 million – whereas Tobago has a population of only 53,000. Dengue is also far more prevalent in crowded urban areas – and you can’t exactly call any of Tobago ‘urban’. In short, it’s really not an issue as long as you apply commonsense precautions.
Readers may wish to note the following general information on the disease:
Sorry for the delay, but I’m having some difficulty researching the matter. Hopefully further replies to the dozen or so emails I’ve sent out to various TT and international government and health organisations will clarify the matter over the coming days. I will update this post as appropriate.
In summary, however, I understand that whilst there is a dengue problem at the moment – it is far more associated with Trinidad than Tobago.
From the point of view of visitors to Tobago, dengue does not appear to be a significant problem and I am advised to simply reiterate the normal sensible advice that one should adhere to at all times in every tropical destination.
- 1. Use a good mosquito repellent on skin and clothing, particularly when travelling or walking in areas of heavy foliage or bush or where there are rivers and streams.
2. Only drink bottled water. Never drink tap water.
It may be useful if I quote a helpful reply from Dr Eldonna Boisson of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), based in Trinidad:
Dengue is endemic in most countries in the Caribbean * (including Trinidad and Tobago) and the number of reported cases usually increases every rainy season (July-December). Currently in Trinidad and Tobago dengue types 2 and 3 are circulating. The number of reported cases of dengue is higher this year in Trinidad and Tobago than it was at the same time last year, due to the recent introduction of dengue type 3 to the country. However, individuals can protect themselves by the use of insect repellents and by ensuring that they do not breed mosquitoes in their surroundings i.e. do not keep stored, uncovered water.
* Dengue is endemic to most tropical areas of the world - including the U.S.A. – not just the Caribbean [SMW]
The only statistics that have been published are total cases for all T&T – not just Tobago. Quoting these figures here would be misleading because they are based upon the combined population of more than 1.3 million – whereas Tobago has a population of only 53,000. Dengue is also far more prevalent in crowded urban areas – and you can’t exactly call any of Tobago ‘urban’. In short, it’s really not an issue as long as you apply commonsense precautions.
Readers may wish to note the following general information on the disease:
- • Dengue [DEN-ghee] is a flu-like viral disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal, complication of dengue.
• Dengue occurs in most tropical areas of the world. Most U.S. cases occur in travellers returning from abroad, but the dengue risk is increasing for persons living along the Texas-Mexico border and in other parts of the southern United States.
• There is no specific treatment for dengue.
• Dengue is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else.
• Dengue is not contagious – it can only be spread by an infected mosquito.
• Dengue is most common in cities, but can be found in rural areas.
• Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
Dengue Fever ???
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 22 September 2002
Is there a big risk at the moment we will arrive in october, my wife is pregnant, and how about children on the beach etc. Thanks in advance
Is there a big risk at the moment we will arrive in october, my wife is pregnant, and how about children on the beach etc. Thanks in advance
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4842
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 22 September 2002
NO. It seems to be a problem that is far more "talked" about that actually experienced. Many of the reported cases in Trinidad have turned out NOT to be Dengue Fever, but some harmless bug that gives similar syptoms. Please read the main posts on the subject - but don't worry, provided you take simple, sensible normal precautions there's absolutely nothing to worry about. You simply don't get mosquitoes on the beach - the wind is too strong for them and they only tend to be around at night, other than in bush area. Really, don't worry! However, common sense dictates that you should use a decent mosquito repellant on your clothing and skin from sunset anywhere in the world that has mosquitoes. Enjoy and please let us know what you think of Tobago after your return.
NO. It seems to be a problem that is far more "talked" about that actually experienced. Many of the reported cases in Trinidad have turned out NOT to be Dengue Fever, but some harmless bug that gives similar syptoms. Please read the main posts on the subject - but don't worry, provided you take simple, sensible normal precautions there's absolutely nothing to worry about. You simply don't get mosquitoes on the beach - the wind is too strong for them and they only tend to be around at night, other than in bush area. Really, don't worry! However, common sense dictates that you should use a decent mosquito repellant on your clothing and skin from sunset anywhere in the world that has mosquitoes. Enjoy and please let us know what you think of Tobago after your return.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 02 September 2002
Steve, Are you really saying that there is no dengue fever in Tobago? And that there are no cases in Trinidad that can't be blamed on a "harmless bug"? Would you mind sharing the source for this information? My web searches (reading British, U.S., and Candadian sources) have shown that many Caribbean islands, not just Tobago, have dengue fever. A friend from Sweden who spent the summer in Tobago had a Danish friend who contracted dengue there. The risk is probably very low; unfortunately, it is difficult to get exact figures for Tobago alone. However, I would not have enough confidence to recommend that a pregnant woman not check with a travel medicine specialist before going to a place where there is a risk, no matter how small, of getting dengue. I'd love to learn that the disease has been eradicated. I will return in February for my fifth visit, using extra caution.
Steve, Are you really saying that there is no dengue fever in Tobago? And that there are no cases in Trinidad that can't be blamed on a "harmless bug"? Would you mind sharing the source for this information? My web searches (reading British, U.S., and Candadian sources) have shown that many Caribbean islands, not just Tobago, have dengue fever. A friend from Sweden who spent the summer in Tobago had a Danish friend who contracted dengue there. The risk is probably very low; unfortunately, it is difficult to get exact figures for Tobago alone. However, I would not have enough confidence to recommend that a pregnant woman not check with a travel medicine specialist before going to a place where there is a risk, no matter how small, of getting dengue. I'd love to learn that the disease has been eradicated. I will return in February for my fifth visit, using extra caution.
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4842
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 23 September 2002
I'm sorry if my answer gave the wrong impression, but I was simply answering the question. The reader asked if it was a big risk at the moment. I honestly believe that the truthful answer to this is NO. Yes, there is a risk, but not a “big risk”. I'm certainly not saying that there are no cases on Tobago or that the disease has been eradicated - the honest truth is, I don't know how many cases there are, or have been. As you say, it’s very difficult to get accurate figures, because the data released covers the combined unit of Trinidad & Tobago. The population of Tobago is less than 4% of that of Trinidad, and Trinidad has a known problem with the disease (which is more active/prevalent in larger urban areas, I believe), so the figures do not paint a representative picture anyway.
I can only go by the comments and reports of the many people that I correspond with – both non-resident visitors and Tobago business owners. Naturally, local people will tend to play the issue down, but I’m not getting reports from visitors saying that it is a problem – and lets face it, Tobago is such a friendly place that it’s a very unusual visitor who comes back not having had numerous and long conversations with locals. If it was a problem, I’m sure we’d be hearing about it.
Yes, you are quite right; the lady concerned should take proper medical advice. I’m in no position to give medical advice and I thought that taking proper medical advice went without saying, although maybe I should have said so. You have obviously conducted a fair amount of research into the problem, yet you have enough confidence to be going back to Tobago next year. I’m going back for a month next January. Yes, I’ll be taking, and using, more mosquito repellent than usual, but based on everything I believe at the moment, it won’t stop me doing anything, including a rainforest tour. True, I’ll be keeping a watchful eye on the subject (I’m sure readers will be updating us through this forum), but can only admit that I’m not currently over-concerned. To be frank, avoiding being totalled on the way to the airport is as much a concern to me. That’s not meant to trivialise the subject, just to get it into perspective as I perceive it.
Changing the subject, did you mean to include the majority of my post in your reply? It reads like you’ve written it. Not that I have the slightest concern about that – I’ll let you take the flak. If you want it removed, just email me at [email protected] and I’ll gladly remove it from your post.
I'm sorry if my answer gave the wrong impression, but I was simply answering the question. The reader asked if it was a big risk at the moment. I honestly believe that the truthful answer to this is NO. Yes, there is a risk, but not a “big risk”. I'm certainly not saying that there are no cases on Tobago or that the disease has been eradicated - the honest truth is, I don't know how many cases there are, or have been. As you say, it’s very difficult to get accurate figures, because the data released covers the combined unit of Trinidad & Tobago. The population of Tobago is less than 4% of that of Trinidad, and Trinidad has a known problem with the disease (which is more active/prevalent in larger urban areas, I believe), so the figures do not paint a representative picture anyway.
I can only go by the comments and reports of the many people that I correspond with – both non-resident visitors and Tobago business owners. Naturally, local people will tend to play the issue down, but I’m not getting reports from visitors saying that it is a problem – and lets face it, Tobago is such a friendly place that it’s a very unusual visitor who comes back not having had numerous and long conversations with locals. If it was a problem, I’m sure we’d be hearing about it.
Yes, you are quite right; the lady concerned should take proper medical advice. I’m in no position to give medical advice and I thought that taking proper medical advice went without saying, although maybe I should have said so. You have obviously conducted a fair amount of research into the problem, yet you have enough confidence to be going back to Tobago next year. I’m going back for a month next January. Yes, I’ll be taking, and using, more mosquito repellent than usual, but based on everything I believe at the moment, it won’t stop me doing anything, including a rainforest tour. True, I’ll be keeping a watchful eye on the subject (I’m sure readers will be updating us through this forum), but can only admit that I’m not currently over-concerned. To be frank, avoiding being totalled on the way to the airport is as much a concern to me. That’s not meant to trivialise the subject, just to get it into perspective as I perceive it.
Changing the subject, did you mean to include the majority of my post in your reply? It reads like you’ve written it. Not that I have the slightest concern about that – I’ll let you take the flak. If you want it removed, just email me at [email protected] and I’ll gladly remove it from your post.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 25 September 2002
I had no luck at reaching you at your posted address. Messages were rejected. Feel free to delete your comments from my post. This is what I tried to write privately: I pasted your reply to mine so that I could remind myself of your points while I was writing. Yes, you are welcome to remove it. I forgot. Anyway, you have my most sincere congratulations for providing a wonderful Tobago site. You must love the island as much as I do. I have no idea how much effort it took you to put it all together, but it must have been many, many hours -- a labor of love. My only point of dissention is that you seem to favor the Coco Reef, above all else, despite the overbooking controversy and its stale, crowded , shadeless beach. I would hope that you would stay elsewhere for a few nights ( a walk-through will not do) to get a true idea of a place. Otherwise, I wish you best of luck with your website. I would encourage a diversity of opinion, rather than your overwhelming judgmentality, if you want the site to be popular. It could be fun, so enjoy conflicting opinions, rather than try to make everyone think one way. Again, congratulations on a wonderful site, Diana
I had no luck at reaching you at your posted address. Messages were rejected. Feel free to delete your comments from my post. This is what I tried to write privately: I pasted your reply to mine so that I could remind myself of your points while I was writing. Yes, you are welcome to remove it. I forgot. Anyway, you have my most sincere congratulations for providing a wonderful Tobago site. You must love the island as much as I do. I have no idea how much effort it took you to put it all together, but it must have been many, many hours -- a labor of love. My only point of dissention is that you seem to favor the Coco Reef, above all else, despite the overbooking controversy and its stale, crowded , shadeless beach. I would hope that you would stay elsewhere for a few nights ( a walk-through will not do) to get a true idea of a place. Otherwise, I wish you best of luck with your website. I would encourage a diversity of opinion, rather than your overwhelming judgmentality, if you want the site to be popular. It could be fun, so enjoy conflicting opinions, rather than try to make everyone think one way. Again, congratulations on a wonderful site, Diana
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Sacha
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 27 September 2002
Hi Henk, I got back from Tobago and after spending two weeks there the only malady that I seem to contract was from being over zealous with some hot & spicey Carribean sauce. My girlfriend and I had also read a lot about dengue fever beforehand and were somewhat concerned but after visiting I would honestly say that you would be unlucky to contract the disease. We know a Brit expat there who has been there for 10 years and he contracted dengue fever two years ago and he consudered himself unlucky. We were both bitten by mosquitoes a few times but I can't say that there was anywhere really dirty (squalor) on the island that I saw and thats generally where the disease originates from what I understand. Go and enjoy yourself but do watch the hot sauce!
Hi Henk, I got back from Tobago and after spending two weeks there the only malady that I seem to contract was from being over zealous with some hot & spicey Carribean sauce. My girlfriend and I had also read a lot about dengue fever beforehand and were somewhat concerned but after visiting I would honestly say that you would be unlucky to contract the disease. We know a Brit expat there who has been there for 10 years and he contracted dengue fever two years ago and he consudered himself unlucky. We were both bitten by mosquitoes a few times but I can't say that there was anywhere really dirty (squalor) on the island that I saw and thats generally where the disease originates from what I understand. Go and enjoy yourself but do watch the hot sauce!
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Peter
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 27 September 2002
I will be over in october,and this will be our seventh time on the island,never ever heard the word dengue fever mentioned,there are of course mosquitoes, but other than that there are no problems at all it is a non malerial island. the only advice i would give is get off the beach about five,ish as the sand flies can be a nusiance, you will have a good time for sure. peter
I will be over in october,and this will be our seventh time on the island,never ever heard the word dengue fever mentioned,there are of course mosquitoes, but other than that there are no problems at all it is a non malerial island. the only advice i would give is get off the beach about five,ish as the sand flies can be a nusiance, you will have a good time for sure. peter