Tropical Medicine: Part 2

Dengue fever is not endemic in Australia, however, we do have mosquitoes that can spread the virus and outbreaks do occur due to imported cases.  Severe dengue (also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever) is a potentially lethal complication, affecting mainly children.  Diagnosing it early and initiating supportive treatment can be life-saving.  It's therefore worth reminding ourselves of this important tropical infection.