Dengue fever is a risk in Southeast Asia

Cases and outbreaks of dengue fever are being reported by the following countries:

• Thailand - 3,700 people infected with 3 deaths; most affected provinces include Rayong, Samut Songkhram, Krabi, Nakhon Pathom and Phet Buri.
• Philippines - Zamboanga city, Zamboanga del Sur province: 298 reported cases.
• Malaysia
• • Kedah state: 223 reported cases.
• • Sarawak, Borneo: 599 reported cases; most affected division is Sibu.
• Australia - north Queensland state:. 50 cases; most affected municipalities include Cairns, Tully, Innisfail and El Arish 36.
• Fiji - 382 cases; affected areas include North, West and Central Divisions.

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.