Dengue fever in Central America and Mexico

The following countries are reporting large numbers of cases of dengue fever:

Mexico - almost 194,000 suspected and confirmed cases with 22 deaths

Central America:

• Costa Rica - almost 8700 cases
• El Salvador - almost 49,000 cases and 3 deaths
• Guatemala - almost 15,800 cases with 9 deaths
• Honduras - Almost 40,000 cases
• Nicaragua - slightly more than 32,000 cases with 4 deaths
• Panama - almost 4,000 cases with 1 death

Advice

Dengue fever virus is widespread, and the risk of exposure can be quite high. 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.