Dengue Fever in Central America - Year End Summary

During the year 2019, the following nations reported sporadic cases and outbreaks of dengue fever: Costa Rica (almost 9,400 cases), El Salvador (more than 28,000 cases and 14 deaths), Guatemala (49,500 cases and 61 deaths), Honduras (approximately 120,000 cases and 180 deaths), Nicaragua (191,500 cases and 30 deaths), and Panama (7,500 cases) and 3 deaths). Dengue fever transmission is expected to continue in 2020 in these countries.

Advice

The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on destination, season and duration of travel and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are both relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives.

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.