Dengue Fever is Widespread in the Americas

During the first half of 2023, major outbreaks of dengue fever were recorded in South and Central America. Since the beginning of this year (2023), almost 3,000,000 people have been diagnosed with dengue fever in the WHO Region of the Americas. A total of1,302 deaths have occurred due to this infection. Approximately 4,000 of the infected persons were classified as having the severe life-threatening form of dengue call dengue haemorrhagic fever. The highest number of dengue cases was observed in Brazil, followed by Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Mexico.

建议

Sporadic cases and outbreaks of dengue fever occur throughout the Caribbean and Central and South American countries. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities. 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 and Zika viruses may be present also since they are transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.