Cities in São Paulo State, Brazil, facing epidemic levels of dengue fever

Several cities in São Paulo State are trying to cope with major outbreaks of dengue fever. They include Leme (3,150 cases), Aguaí (253 cases), Araraquara (257 cases), Araras (452 cases), Mococa (275 cases), Matão (496 cases), Nova Europa (94 cases), Santa Gertrudes (68 cases), Vargem Grande do Sul (206 cases), Sumaré (205 cases; 1 death), Santos (4,998 cases), Praia Grande (4,215 cases), Cubatão, (1,781 cases), São Vicente (1,095 cases), Guarujá (498 cases), Peruíbe (417 cases), Barretos (3,472 cases), and Campinas (932 cases).

There may be many more unreported cases since counting and reporting may be hampered by lack of local access to health care, and many persons with mild illness may not seek health care. Travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure to dengue fever virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.