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Monica Bassoo - Dengue Fever Case Study

In early August 2000, Monica was bitten by a mosquito in her home town of Georgetown, Guyana in South America. Soon after, Monica started to experience severe pain in her eyes and had to wear sunglasses whenever she was outside, looking at her computer screen or near any bright light. Monica said she also started to experience “pounding” headaches, excruciating pain in her lower spine and in her calf muscles. She constantly felt tired and became exhausted doing the smallest tasks.

The symptoms continued for over a month. On 25 September, Monica suffered a very high temperature. Her lips started to swell and red welts began to appear on her body, which became very itchy. All these symptoms combined left Monica feeling extremely ill and lacking in energy. So, on the afternoon of 26 September, after no improvement, Monica finally visited her GP.

Monica’s family doctor took blood samples from her and prescribed drugs to reduce the fever and pain. A potential severe malaria diagnosis was suspected.

Monica is a member of a BUPA International group policy for Cara Hotels. The hotel group’s company secretary, Davina Stephenson contacted BUPA International because of the suspected malaria. An evacuation aircraft was placed on standby to ensure that Monica could be immediately air-lifted to the nearest hospital if it was found that she did have the disease.

Monica said: "Everything was organised over the telephone. All of the BUPA International staff who were involved in my case were extremely helpful, patient and very caring."

Consequently, the malaria test proved negative. Monica had contracted Dengue Fever, a viral illness normally spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which attacks in the daytime. The illness is not usually severe and resolves on its own, although, recovery can take several weeks.

Monica and her family were delighted to hear that her illness, while serious, wasn’t life threatening. She said of her experience: "Guyana is a developing country and medical facilities are limited for the treatment of malaria. However, it was a great comfort that I was covered under BUPA International medical care. Knowing that I was dealing with staff from BUPA International who possess great organisational acumen in times of emergency helped me and my family to remain calm during my ordeal."

A BUPA International representative kept in contact with Davina Stephenson to check on Monica’s progress. Monica said: “After the representative found out that I had Dengue Fever, he telephoned constantly to ensure that I was okay and to give medical advice. Again, knowing that BUPA International was following up my case and was interested made me realise how necessary it was to have high quality health cover."

Monica’s GP in Guyana advised her that there was no treatment for Dengue Fever, but ordered her to rest and drink plenty of water. He also advised her that it could lie dormant in her system for a while and possibly flare up again. Monica is now fully recovered and still living happily with her family in Georgetown.