Dengue fever in Myanmar

Since the last report of dengue fever infections about one month ago, 300 more people have been diagnosed with this infection, bringing the total for the year to approximately 1,400 infected people. Nine deaths, mostly in 5 to 9 year old children, have been registered. The most affected regions include Yangon region, followed by Rakhine state.

Advice

The absence of reports from other areas does not mean that there is no dengue fever transmission there. 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.