Dengue Fever in Bhutan

In the city of Phuentsholing, a total of 3,015 positive cases of dengue fever have been recorded so far this year (2019). Since this city is on the border with India, the total number may include Indians from across the border who sought care in Bhutan. Other districts in Bhutan have reported sporadic cases of this illness.

Advice

The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities.

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.