Dengue fever risk in South America continues in 2016

In 2015, there were major outbreaks of dengue fever in South America, especially in Brazil. In 2016, the risk of exposure to this virus will continue to vary from place to place and time to time, but it may be high in some localities. Countries that are reporting increasing numbers of cases include:

Argentina - there are small outbreaks in 8 provinces, including the provinces of Buenos Aires, Formosa and Misiones. Bolivia (Santa Cruz department). Brazil:

• Minas Gerais,
• Mato Grosso - affected municipalities include Sinop, Cuiaba, Varzea Grande, Primavera do Leste, Sorriso, Campo Novo do Parecis, and Lucas do Rio Verde,
• Mato Grosso do Sul - most affected municipalities include Caracol, Nioaque, Bonito, and Coxim
• Pernambuco - most affected municipality Garanhuns,
• Rio de Janeiro

Colombia (Risaralda department) Paraguay Peru:

• Cusco - most affected areas Apurimac and Ene River valleys

Advice

The absence of reports does not mean that there is no dengue fever transmission in other countries such as Venezuela. 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.