Living, Sleeping And Surviving Surrounded By Deadly Dengue Causing Mosquitoes

The first time that I'd ever heard of "dengue" was when a virtual assistant living in the Philippines disappeared for two weeks while working on a project for me.

When he finally checked in, he apologized and said that dengue fever had made him so sick and weak that for over a week he could barely even get out of bed. So, I vaguely familiarized myself with the disease.

The next time that it came into focus was when I visited the Philippines 12 years ago, and the mosquitoes were so plentiful, and AGGRESSIVE, that my wife and I were forced to sleep under mosquito netting! We'd wake up each morning and the netting would be COVERED with dead mosquitoes. The couldn't get on us, but refused to get up, and clung to the netting which was suspended on supports around our bed... until many of them simply DIED!

Reflecting back on my Air Force career, I had been vaccinated against about "every disease under the sun!" Because I traveled to areas where these diseases were prevalent, I had been vaccinated against dengue, as well as Japanese Encepholtitis (a disease which cause selling of parts of the brain)!

Fast-forward to TODAY, and I traveled to visit friends and relatives in a moquette infested areas, where I was informed the dengue is DEFINITELY a problem... one that had affected the very people I hang out with.

Not to worry, too much...

After I pointed out that my quarters, especially the bathroom which has open windows, were FLOODED with Aedes aegypti, the purchased a spray which killed them on contact, and since it is oil-based, it sticks around on walls etc., They also screened in the bathroom window, and my wife and I made our sleeping area nearly air-tight.

We still have a problem when just hanging out... talking with others, or trying to enjoy meals, but it's tolerable.

To refresh my knowledge, I asked ChatGPT to tell me more about dengue, and the mosquitoes that spread it. Here's what Mr. GPT told me in it's somewhat verbose fashion:

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which belongs to the Flavivirus genus. It is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, though other species like Aedes albopictus can also spread the virus. Dengue is a significant global health concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

1. Effects of Dengue

Dengue infection manifests in a range of clinical forms, from mild illness to life-threatening complications.

Mild Dengue Fever

Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting.

Duration: Symptoms typically last 2–7 days after an incubation period of 4–10 days following a mosquito bite.

Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever/Dengue Shock Syndrome)

Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, restlessness, and blood plasma leakage.

Complications: Can lead to organ damage, shock, and death if not treated promptly.

Case Fatality: With timely medical care, the mortality rate is below 1%, but it can rise significantly without treatment.

Please continue reading at: https://WillieCrawford.org/dengue/

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Today we're diving into something,

(00:02):
it might hit a little close to home for some of you,
it's dengue fever.
And you might think, well, that's just a tropical disease,
but it's actually a growing global issue.
And what's really fascinating about this deep dive is,
we're gonna be looking at this
through the personal experiences
of someone who's traveled to over 60 countries,
the internet marketer, Willie Crawford.
So we're gonna be sharing his stories and his insights

(00:25):
throughout this whole episode.
Yeah, and that's what's so valuable
about personal experiences.
They offer a unique window into how diseases like dengue,
which can impact different regions in such diverse ways,
actually affect people on the ground.
Right, so Willie's first encounter with dengue
was actually through his virtual assistant in the Philippines.
And his assistant suddenly just like disappeared

(00:46):
for two weeks, completely knocked out by dengue.
Bedridden for over a week, that's not your average flu.
No, not at all.
Dengue can be incredibly debilitating.
And in severe cases, it can even be fatal.
It's certainly not something to take lightly.
Right, and this brings us to Willie's own experience
of the Philippines.
He describes the sheer number of mosquitoes there
as just overwhelming,

(01:07):
almost like something out of a horror movie.
And he and his wife,
they had to sleep under a mosquito net for protection.
I mean, that's not surprising,
considering the main culprit here is the Aedes aegypti
mosquito, and they're notorious for their persistence
and their habit of biting during the day,
which makes them even harder to avoid.

(01:27):
Yeah, imagine waking up every morning to a mosquito net,
absolutely covered in dead mosquitoes.
That's what they faced.
They couldn't get through the net, but they would give up.
Wow.
Talk about relentless.
It really underscores how determined these mosquitoes are
to get a blood meal.
You know that image.
It's a stark reminder of the constant threat they pose
in areas where dengue is prevalent.

(01:49):
Yeah, now here's where it gets interesting.
Willie was actually vaccinated against dengue
during his time in the Air Force.
Right.
I know, I would feel a lot safer
knowing I had that extra layer of protection.
Yeah, I mean, it's definitely a crucial preventative measure,
but it's not quite as straightforward as you might think.
There are different types of dengue vaccines
and prior exposure to the virus can actually complicate things.

(02:11):
Oh, wow, I didn't realize that.
So even with the vaccination, there was still a risk.
And this makes his more recent experience with dengue
even more unsettling.
On a recent trip, he discovered that dengue
was a serious problem in the area,
even among people he knew.
And that highlights a critical point.
Even with vaccination,
there's no guarantee of complete immunity.

(02:33):
Dengue has multiple strains,
and the vaccine's effectiveness can vary
depending on which strain you encounter.
So what did Willie do?
Was he just constantly on edge the whole trip?
He took a proactive approach.
He worked with his hosts.
To minimize the risk, they used an oil-based spray
that kills mosquitoes on contact
and lingers on surfaces to deter them.

(02:54):
They also screened in the bathroom window
and did their best to make the sleeping area airtight.
Smart moves.
It sounds like they were really trying
to cover all the bases.
These measures are all about understanding them.
Egyptis, Egypti mosquitoes behavior
and targeting their weaknesses, eliminating breeding grounds,
blocking entry points, and using insecticides
are all key elements of mosquito control.

(03:17):
But even with all those precautions,
it wasn't a foolproof solution, right?
He mentioned mosquitoes were still present
during meals and social gatherings.
Exactly, in areas where dengue is endemic,
it's an ongoing battle.
Achieving perfect protection is incredibly difficult.
Mosquitoes are incredibly adaptable
and can find ways to persist,
even in the face of control efforts.

(03:37):
Right, it makes you realize how difficult it is
to fully eradicate this threat.
Yeah, it really emphasizes the need
for a multifaceted approach,
combining personal protective measures
with community-wide initiatives and public health campaigns.
So Willie wanted to refresh his knowledge about dengue.
So he turned to ChatGPT to break it all down.
And I'm curious to hear what he learned,
because I feel like this is where things

(03:58):
could get really interesting.
For our listeners...
Yeah, ChatGPT is a great resource
for gathering information,
especially for something like dengue,
where there's a lot of technical detail to understand.
So ChatGPT explained,
there are actually different types of dengue fever.
There's a milder form,
which I'm guessing is still pretty awful.
And then there's a severe form that can be life-threatening.

(04:20):
That's right.
And the tricky part is
that many of the symptoms are similar
to other common illnesses,
high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes,
muscle and joint aches.
It's easy to mistake it for something else,
which is why accurate diagnosis is so important.
Oh, and that's not even the worst of it.
ChatGPT also revealed
that dengue can lead to long-term health complications.

(04:43):
Plus, if you get infected a second time,
it's actually more dangerous.
That's a bit scary.
It is.
And there's a scientific reason for that.
There are four distinct strains of the dengue virus.
If you get infected with one strain,
your body develops immunity to that specific strain.
But here's the catch.
That immunity doesn't protect you
against the other three strains.

(05:04):
In fact, if you get infected
with a different strain later on,
your immune system can actually overreact,
leading to a more severe case of dengue.
So it's not like getting chickenpox
where you're immune for life.
Not at all.
It's actually the opposite.
Yeah.
Subsequent infections can be more dangerous.
Wow.
This makes it even more critical to understand that.
Dengue isn't just confined to remote tropical regions,

(05:26):
ChatGPT highlighted, that's a global problem.
And it's spreading rapidly.
It's already present in over 100 countries.
That's a concerning trend.
As global temperatures rise and travel becomes more frequent,
we're seeing eddies mosquitoes expanding their range,
bringing dengue to new territories.
They can thrive in warmer climates.
And we're seeing that play out in parts of Southern Europe

(05:46):
and even in the United States.
Wow.
ChatGPT mentioned something like 390 million dengue infections
occur each year, with 96 million of those,
resulting in noticeable symptoms.
Those are staggering numbers.
It really puts the scope of the problem into perspective.
Those figures definitely highlight
the scale of the issue.
And sadly, thousands of people, mostly children

(06:09):
in regions where dengue is common,
die from the disease each year.
So what can we do to protect ourselves?
ChatGPT laid out several prevention and control measures,
things like personal protection, environmental efforts,
vaccination, and mosquito control programs.
It seems like there's a lot we can do.
Absolutely.
And it really takes a multifaceted approach.
Individually, we can take steps.

(06:31):
To avoid mosquito bites, using insect repellent,
wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn
and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active,
and sleeping under bed nets are all great ways
to reduce your risk.
Right.
And I imagine, on a community level,
there are things we can do collectively to fight back
against these mosquitoes.
Exactly.
Eliminating standing water, where mosquitoes breed

(06:52):
is crucial, something as simple as emptying out flower pots
or making sure your gutters are clear
can make a difference using insecticides.
And implementing public health campaigns
are also important steps in controlling the mosquito
population.
And of course, vaccination plays a critical role,
though access and availability can

(07:12):
be an issue in some regions.
It's great to hear that there are active efforts to develop.
New and improved dengue control methods, hopefully
ongoing research, will lead to even more effective ways
to prevent and treat this disease.
That's the hope.
The scientific community is continually
working to better understand dengue
and find new ways to combat it.

(07:33):
OK, so let's bring it back to our listeners.
What does all this mean for them?
What are the key takeaways they should really
be thinking about?
I think the most important takeaway
is that dengue fever is a serious threat,
and it's closer to home than many people realize.
It's not just a traveler's concern anymore.
It's something we all need to be aware of.
Yeah, Willy's experiences really bring a human face

(07:53):
to this threat.
It's not just statistics.
It's a real disease that can have a devastating
impact on people's lives.
Yeah, his stories is a powerful reminder
of the importance of personal responsibility
when it comes to our health.
We need to be informed about the risks,
take steps to protect ourselves, and seek medical attention
immediately.

(08:13):
If we suspect we might have dengue, early intervention
can make a big difference in the outcome.
I'm also really struck by Willy's willingness to share.
His experiences so openly.
It takes courage to talk about something
that could be so scary and potentially life threatening.
Right, I mean, his openness speaks volumes
about his desire to educate and inform others.

(08:34):
He's turning his personal experiences
into valuable lessons for everyone.
By sharing his story, he's helping
to raise awareness about dengue and empowering people
to take action.
Yeah, you know this deep dive.
It isn't about scaring people.
It's about empowering them with knowledge.
The more we know about dengue, the better prepared
we are to protect ourselves and those around us.

(08:54):
Exactly.
Knowledge is power.
And in the case of dengue, that knowledge can be lifesaving.
Before we wrap up, I just want to remind everyone
that these are just a few of the many experiences
Willy Crawford has had during his travels.
To over 60 countries, he's got a treasure trove
of stories, each one offering a unique glimpse into the world

(09:17):
and the challenges we face.
It's inspiring to see someone who's
so passionate about sharing their experiences
and fostering meaningful conversations
around important topics like this.
Yeah, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode.
And if you have any personal experiences with dengue fever
that you'd like to share, please leave a comment below.
Willy Crawford's post about this deep dive.

(09:38):
You know, he actually responds to every single comment.
So it's a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with him.
It's a testament to his dedication,
to fostering open dialogue and sharing his knowledge
with others.
So don't be shy.
Jump into the comments section and let us know what you think.
Yeah, it is.
It really is amazing that he takes the time to connect.
With his audience on that level, yeah,

(09:59):
it's a testament to his commitment
to sharing his knowledge and fostering
a real sense of community.
And it reinforces something we've touched on
throughout this deep dive.
This isn't just a problem for travelers.
As these mosquitoes expand their range,
dengue is becoming a concern, even
in people's own backyards.
Absolutely.
It's not just something to worry about on vacation.
It's something we need to be mindful of in our everyday

(10:20):
lives, especially as climate change
creates more favorable conditions
for these mosquitoes.
Right, that's a sobering thought.
But it also emphasizes the importance of taking action.
Exactly.
So what can we do?
Well, being informed is a great place to start.
Know the symptoms of dengue, understand how it spreads,
and take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

(10:42):
Those simple actions can make a real difference.
And for those traveling to areas where dengue is present,
it's crucial to talk to your doctor about vaccination options.
And pack that mosquito repellent.
Absolutely.
Prevention is key.
And don't forget about eliminating
those mosquito breeding grounds.
Around your home, no matter where you live,
even a tiny puddle of water can become

(11:04):
a haven for mosquito larvae.
It's amazing how something so small
can pose such a significant threat to human health.
It really highlights the interconnectedness
of our world and the importance of taking
a proactive, informed approach to public health.
Well, this has been a truly eye-opening deep dive
into the world of dengue fever.
A huge thank you to Willie Crawford

(11:24):
for sharing his personal experiences and insights.
They've given us all a deeper understanding
of this complex issue.
Yeah, it's been a privilege to delve
into his firsthand accounts and explore
the wider implications of this global health challenge.
His stories offer a powerful reminder
of the human impact of dengue and the importance
of staying vigilant.

(11:45):
And for our listeners, we encourage
you to keep the conversation going.
Head over to Willie Crawford's post about this deep dive
and share your thoughts, questions, or even
your own experiences with dengue fever in the comments
section below.
Remember, he personally responds to every single comment.
So it's a unique opportunity to connect
with someone who has firsthand knowledge.

(12:05):
Of this important topic.
Yeah, and sharing our experiences and knowledge
is one of the most powerful tools we have
in the fight against dengue.
It's a reminder that we're all in this together
and that through awareness, prevention, and collaboration,
we can make a difference.
Thank you for joining us on this deep dive
into the world of dengue fever.
Remember, knowledge is power.

(12:27):
And by understanding this disease
and taking the necessary precautions,
we can all play a role in protecting ourselves
and our communities from this growing threat.
Absolutely.
And on that note, we've covered so much ground today
about dengue fever.
From Willie Crawford's personal experiences
to the latest information from JetGPT.

(12:47):
But if there's one thing I want our listeners to take away,
it's this.
Dengue fever is a real and present danger,
not just in far off tropical destinations,
but increasingly right here in our own community.
I completely agree.
It's a global health challenge that
requires our attention and action.
So what can we do as individuals to protect ourselves
and our loved ones?
Well, knowledge is our first line of defense.

(13:09):
We need to be aware of the symptoms,
understand how dengue spreads, and take those everyday
precautions, like using insect repellent,
wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito
breeding grounds around our homes.
And of course, if you're planning
to travel to an area where dengue is a risk,
talk to your health care provider
without vaccination options, and be extra vigilant

(13:31):
about those mosquito bite prevention measures.
Absolutely.
And remember, dengue fever can be serious,
but it's not unbeatable.
By working together and taking proactive steps,
we can make a real difference in protecting ourselves
and our communities.
And on that note, I want to extend a huge thank you
to Willie Crawford for sharing his incredible stories
and insights with us.

(13:51):
His willingness to be so open and vulnerable
really brings home the human impact of this disease.
He's an inspiration, and his story reminds us that.
Even in the face of adversity, there's always hope
and a path forward.
And for our listeners, we want to hear from you.
Head over to Willie Crawford's post about this episode
and share your thoughts, your questions,
or even your own experiences with dengue fever

(14:13):
in the comments section below.
Remember, Willie personally responds
to every single comment, so don't miss this chance
to connect with him directly and join the conversation.
Let's keep the dialogue going, because together,
we can create a world where dengue fever
is no longer a threat.
Thank you for tuning in to The Deep Dive.
Stay curious, stay informed,

(14:33):
and most importantly, stay safe.