Job Discussion Forums

[MELEE]

Dengue fever is on the rise in Mexico.
You can read the story here.
http://www.thenews.com.mx/home/tnhome.asp?cve_home=1130

If you don't want to read about it, here's the jist that you need to know:

"For now our best way of fighting the disease is through preventive measures," he said.

"That includes avoiding letting stagnant water sit, using and frequently reapplying mosquito repellent, sleeping with mosquito nets, using door and window screens and wearing long sleeves and pants when traveling in hot, humid places, particularly those at sea level."

[El Gallo]

You're right MELEE, we do need to be reminded. Most of us never heard of this before we came to Mexico, but I had it one summer and, believe me, I will never forget it. It was four days of the worst body aches I have ever had along with high fever and severe diarrhea. The hemorrhagic type can cause hospitalization and/or death.

Since we can't control our neighbors from leaving standing water out, a good mosquito repellent is necessary, especially in the evening.

[MELEE]

The story said that the mosquito that carries dengue, unlike the mosquito that carries malaria is most active in the late morning and early after noon.
I've also heard from another source that the dengue carrier does not buzz in your ear.
DEET is highly toxic and you are just as likely to suffer ill effects from deet as from mosquitos, so I recommend a very good mosquito net for your bed., screens on your windows if at all possible and long pants and sleeves of a light material (keeping the sun off your skin will also keep you cooler.)

[Samantha]

We definitely use mosquito repellent, as dengue is a problem, but unless you are in air conditioning 24/7, no way can a person wear long sleeves or long pants in the summer/fall months without inducing heat stroke, or having your clothing melt into your skin. Seriously. The humidity combined with the extreme high temperatures is nearly intolerable to most foreigners. One of the first rules I learned here was to walk on the shady side of the street. The bicycle cops in the tourist zone are issued with short pants and short sleeves. Sunscreen, and mosquito repellent are two important items here, no question.

[MELEE]

Yes, I forgot to mention I live in a dry climate, it's wisest to dress more like people in the middle east, keeping the sun from making direct contact with the skin, light colored loose linen clothing is much cooler here than a bikini.

But don't forget enough sun exposure to get your vitamin D!

[aliaeli]

speaking of mosquito nets, does anyone know where to buy one? (I am in D.F.) I was looking for one back in Oct. & Nov. when they kept buzzing in my ear and waking me up at night but never found one. Can't say I looked that hard, but definately had no idea where to look.