Dengue is common infection in many Asian countries

Dengue fever is a common illness in many of the countries in Asia. The countries that are reporting significan numbers of dengue fever cases include:

• Viet Nam - at least 40,000 cases with 25 deaths. The most affected municipality is Ho Chi Minh City with nearly 10,000 cases.
• Laos - 1,183 cases.
• Thailand - 80,951 cases. The most affected provinces include Rayong, Petchburi, Rachaburi, Trad, and Uthaithani.
• Malaysia - over 91,000 cases with 234deaths. The most affected province is Selangor with nearly 50,000 cases.
• Singapore - 7,266 cases.
• Philippines - 92,807 cases. The most affected regions include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, National Capital Region, Ilocos, and Northern Mindanao.

Advice

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.