Andrew Shayde’s mosquito nightmare

Even the toughest survivalists aren’t safe from the tiniest threats. Andrew Shayde proved this during his grueling 21-day challenge on a remote South Pacific island for Naked and Afraid: Castaways.* What seemed like the end of an epic adventure quickly became a fight for Shayde’s health, showing that the deadliest enemies aren’t always the ones you can see.

In this Shayde Survival Story, we’ll hear about one of his encounters with one of the world’s deadliest pests: the mosquito! Mosquitoes may not seem dangerous, but Shayde’s story proves they’re sneakier, meaner, and far deadlier than you’d expect.

The hidden danger behind a mosquito bite

After surviving all 21 days on a remote tropical island in the South Pacific during his challenge on Naked and Afraid: Castaways, Shayde thought the biggest challenge was behind him.* However, little did he know that a microscopic enemy had hitched a ride home. While he felt fine initially after completing the challenge, the symptoms of dengue fever hit him like a freight train nearly two weeks after his return.

"I came home on top of the world after an amazing adventure. I went from feeling normal to absolutely wrecked in a matter of minutes," Shayde recalls. "There was no easing into the symptoms... It was an immediate war on my body." Shayde described the fever as so intense that he lost cognitive function, unable even to remember his own home address. What had started as a successful survival challenge had suddenly turned into a serious medical mystery.

A surprising and serious diagnosis

As doctors worked to determine the cause of his symptoms, Shayde remembers a moment that still feels surreal. Sitting in the exam room, an infectious disease specialist explained the possible diagnoses. "The doctor said, 'Well, I hope it's malaria, because the other possible candidates are worse, like dengue fever or leptospirosis,'" Shayde recalls. "It's weird to hear a doctor say, 'I hope it's malaria.' Unfortunately, I had the worst one, dengue fever."

Shayde spent nine days battling the illness, including four days in the hospital, while doctors monitored his condition and managed his symptoms as his body slowly recovered. Fortunately, he eventually made a full recovery, but the experience gave him a new respect for mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is often nicknamed the "breakbone fever" because it causes joint and muscle pain so intense it feels like your body is snapping. It isn't like a cold you catch from a cough; it requires a mosquito to bite someone who is sick and then carry that virus to you. 

One of the most dangerous aspects of dengue is that there is no medical cure, according to the CDC. Hospitals can only provide supportive care, which means they help your body stay hydrated and managed while it fights the virus off on its own. Shayde also learned that "each time you get dengue fever, the impact on your body gets worse," meaning your first infection makes you more vulnerable to severe complications the second time around.

Dengue fever symptoms to watch for

As Shayde experienced, the symptoms often don't appear immediately. There is typically an incubation period of four to ten days after the bite. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of dengue fever could include:

• High fever: Temperatures often spike to 40°C or higher.
• Severe headache: Usually focused behind the eyes.
• Muscle and joint pain: Intense aches that make movement difficult.
• Nausea and vomiting: Making it hard to stay hydrated.
• Fatigue: Extreme exhaustion that can lead to a loss of cognitive function.
• Skin rash: Which may appear a few days after the fever begins.

Many of these symptoms closely resemble those of the flu or malaria, so it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to inform the healthcare provider about any recent travel to heavily mosquito-infested areas.

Manage mosquitoes with Terminix

Shayde faced some of the world’s harshest environments and learned firsthand how even the smallest pests can have a huge impact. At home, you don’t have to leave your safety to chance. Mosquitoes don’t belong inside your yard, and you don’t have to deal with them alone.

Terminix helps homeowners get ahead of these buzzing intruders. Our expert technicians locate breeding spots, treat resting areas, and reduce mosquito activity so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces. Learn more about our mosquito control services today!

Andrew Shayde survived the world's most extreme environments, but he knows your home shouldn't be one of them—Terminix It.