Extensive dengue fever in Brazil

Through mid-February, there have been 103,616 reported cases of dengue fever, with at least 100 dengue haemorrhagic cases. Affected states include Espirito Santo, Goias, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, São Paulo (many affected municipalities including Bauru, Caraguatatuba, Catanduva, Dracena, Guararapes, Itapira, Lemeira, Marilia, Maresias Panapolis, Rio Claro, São Jose do Rio Preto, São Paul municipality, Salto de Piraporo, Sorocaba, and Taubate) and Sergipe.

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.