Continuing Outbreak of Dengue Fever in Mauritius

An outbreak of dengue fever began in February 2019. Through the beginning of May 2019, a total of 126 infected people have been identified by health authorities. Four of the cases occurred in travellers returning from areas where dengue fever transmission was active. The majority of the infected people resided in 3 areas of the district of Port Louis, specifically Vallée des Prêtres, Roche Bois and Cité La Cure.

Consigli

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.

Travellers should also be aware that where dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya and Zika viruses may be present also since they are transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue virus.