Dengue fever in Brazil - bi-weekly summary

The following states and localities continue to report on-going transmission of the dengue fever virus:

• Minas Gerais - 67 deaths; most affected municipalities include Juiz de Fora, Uberaba, Araguari, Presidente Olegário, São Gonçalo do Abaeté and Vazante.
• Pernambuco - 564 cases in 1 week; total more than 27,000 cases with 87 deaths; some people infected with both dengue and chikungunya viruses simultaneously.
• Mato Grosso - 15 percent increase statewide (25.889 reported cases).
• Santa Catarina - most affected municipality is Pinhalzinho, but 27 other municipalities have reported cases.
• Alagoas - almost 20,000 infected people.
• Paraná - 6 cities report infected people (including Assaí, Campo Mourão, Paranavaí, Londrina, Paranaguá); 61 deaths.
• São Paulo - municipality of São José do Rio Preto reports newly infected people; Presidente Prudente also affected.

Advice

The absence of reports from other states does not mean that there is no dengue fever transmission there. Although the cooler weather of the winter season in southern Brazil reduces mosquito activity, there is still a risk of exposure that will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities. Travellers are reminded that where there is transmission of the dengue fever virus, transmission of the chikungunya and Zika viruses is possible.

All travellers to areas where these viruses are active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue, chikungunya or Zika infections 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.