Dengue fever in Mexico and Central America

Dengue fever virus transmission continues to be reported by the following countries:

• Mexico - almost 135,000 cases with 11 deaths nationwide; most affected states include Jalisco, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Guerrero, Veracruz, Coahuila, Durango, Sinaloa and Tabasco.
• Belize - more than 3,000 infected people.
• Guatemala - at least 8,500 cases.
• Costa Rica - almost 20,000 cases.
• El Salvador - 1 death reported among almost 8,500 infected people.
• Nicaragua - approaching 80,000 infected people with 16 deaths.

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.