Dengue Fever less this year compared to last year in Americas

According to the Pan American Health Organization, dengue fever cases and deaths have decreased significantly throughout the Americas compared to last year. Although there are about half the number of reported case in 2014, dengue fever still remains a significant risk in several locations in the following countries:

• Mexico - Nuevo Leon state, where there have been 29 cases of serious dengue haemorrhagic fever.
• El Salvador - approximately 69,000 suspected and confirmed cases
• Honduras - 39,629 cases with 2,162 cases of serious illness; most affected localities include Francisco Morazan and Choluteca.
• Venezuela - 32,893 cases
• Brazil - 1,468,873 cases in 2-13, but 547,612 cases this year (2014)

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.