Dengue Fever Crisis in Brazil

The Ministry of Health is reporting a dengue fever crisis due to the tripling of the number of reported cases of dengue fever in the first three weeks of this year (2024). So far, almost 121,000 people have been infected with this virus and as many as 97 have died. For comparison, in 2023 during the same three-week time period, almost 45,000 cases were reported.

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The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities where dengue fever carrying mosquitoes are found. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on the destination, season and duration of trip and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives.

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 the dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya virus may be present also since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.