Extensive dengue fever in South America

The following countries are reporting cases and outbreaks of dengue fever:

• Argentina: almost 2,250 cases this year
• Bolivia: 945 cases (affected; Departments include Santa Cruz, Beni and La Paz [tropical area])
• Brazil: almost 850,000 cases this year; many cities and states (e.g., Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, others) have reported widespread epidemics
• Colombia: more than 37,800 cases this year
• Ecuador: 17,824 cases this year (affected provinces include Los Rios)
• Paraguay: more than 26,000 cases this year; (affected department is Alto Parana)
• Peru: approximately 22,600 cases this year; (affected regions include Ancash, Piura)

Advice

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.