The World Health Organisation estimates that annually there are more than 50 million cases of Dengue fever leading to up to 25,000 deaths.
Also known as Breakbone Fever the disease is endemic in more than 110 countries and a growing concern particularly since the middle of the twentieth century.
Transmission can be from a single bite from the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito also known as the Yellow Fever Mosquito.
Found in tropical and subtropical regions the mosquito is noticeable by the white markings on its legs.
It is attracted to stagnant water where it breeds – bacteria seems to attract the female mosquito much more than clean filtered water.
Typically the mosquito will bite during nightfall or early morning but can bite during the daytime when indoors and shady areas are the common places.
When abroad on holiday care should be exercised near any sources of stagnant water such as uncovered buckets, barrels and swamps - although the most hazardous places can be inside holiday accommodation where showers and toilet tanks create bacterial ponds that enable the mosquito to find perfect breeding places.
Dengue haemorrhagic fever can result in chronic cases when the fever escalates leading to haemorrhaging and in some instances circulatory failure.
Have you contracted Dengue Fever during a holiday abroad due to stagnant water at you hotel being left exposed in areas where mosquitos can freely breed? If so, you may be able to claim compensation – Contact Simpson Millar's Tropical Illness specialist Lawyers for free advice.