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There is an article in today’s Toronto Star about a new, hot band called Dengue Fever. I suppose that their only association with the viral infection is that they merge “retro psychedelic rock with Cambodian pop“.  I’m sure there is no shortge of dengue in Cambodia, and likely no shortage of psychedelic substances.

If the band does as well as the infection, they are in for a wild ride. Recent reports suggest that dengue is on the increase - in Brasil, the Philippines, Vietnam, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and likely in other countries (source - ProMED). India had a smashing season last year, along with another tonguetwister, Chikungunya virus!

Dengue is another disease of poverty. Yes, it takes a warm climate for the Aedes mosquitoes to thrive. But other factors, like poor sanitation, lack of public health and urban migration all play a role. While sitting here in the Toronto winter doesn’t really give a hint of global warming, there is the perceived threat that under such a scenario, the dengue mosquitoes will thrive further north, and develop faster.

Cruisers are usually not at risk for malaria as they are usually back on board sipping their gin and tonics by sundown. But the dengue vector is a daytime feeder, just waiting for the throngs with their wallets and digital cameras.

So if you are headed south, type dengue and your destination into Google, just to see what is going on. Put on your insect repellent, and get ready to bargain.