Dengue fever doubles in 1 week in Argentina

Reports of people infected with dengue virus doubled in 1 week. Several provinces have confirmed infections, and the total has reached at least 5,000 cases. Affected provinces include Buenos Aires, Choco, Cordoba, Corrientes, Misiones, Santa Fe and Santiago del Estero.

Advice

Dengue outbreaks in the northern provinces are not unusual. However, the number of provinces reporting cases is larger than in the past. While the risk of exposure will vary from place to place within the affected provinces, it may be high in some places. 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.