Treatment and Prevention of Malaria and Dengue Fever

Though tropical febrile diseases are not endemic in Korea, their incidence is steadily increasing, as the number of travelers to subtropical areas grows. Malaria and dengue fever are the most common tropical febrile diseases and are transmitted by the bite of an infective female mosquito in large areas in tropical and subtropical countries. Malaria is prevented by mosquito avoidance measures and chemoprophylaxis, while dengue fever can be prevented only by mosquito avoidance measures. Malaria is treated by anti-malaria drugs. There are no specifi c therapeutic agents for dengue virus infection, however resting and fl uid treatment is needed. It is necessary to learn about diseases related to overseas travel and advise overseas travelers in Korea on methods for disease prevention.