Dengue Fever Continues in Laos - Update

On 10 November, the Lao Ministry of Health reported 32 new cases of dengue fever. So far this year, the total number of infections has reached 7,644 with 12 deaths. The highest number of dengue patients was reported in the Lao capital of Vientiane.

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The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on destination, season and duration of travel and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are both relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives.

All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate.

Travellers should also be aware that where dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya and Zika viruses may be present also since they are transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue virus.