Dengue fever reported in Mexico and Central America

Dengue fever cases, outbreaks and deaths are being reported from the following countries (localities):

Mexico

• Jalisco state - 443 cases; 106 cases of serious illness
• Campeche state - 186 cases; 25 cases of serious illness
• Oaxaca state - 368 cases; the most affected areas include Central Valleys, Coast, Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and Tuxtepec.
• Tamaulipas state - 164 cases; the most affected municipality is Laredo.

Costa Rica (national) - 4,602 cases

El Salvador (national) - 24,741 suspected and confirmed cases, with 101 cases of serious illness and 1 death

Honduras (national) - 8,320 cases; 833 cases of serious illness

Dengue fever virus is common in parts of Mexico and Central America. 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.