Brazil struggles with dengue fever throughout the nation

With almost 750,000 dengue fever cases nationwide and 229 deaths, Brazil continues to struggle to control transmission of this virus. Transmission is greatest from January to May during warm, rainy weather. The most affected states include Acre, Tocantins, Rio Grande do Norte, São Paulo (more than 222,000 cases), Paraná (55 municipalities affected), Mato Grosso do Sul, Goias, and Minas Gerais.

Advice

Dengue fever virus is found in most regions of Brazil since the mosquito that transmits this infection is present throughout the country. 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.