This rainy season is expected to inflame the dengue fever outbreak that has already caused cases to surge by 70 percent over the 2018 figures for the same period. An ECDC report on dengue across the Americas notes that 80 percent of the nearly 750,000 suspected and confirmed cases to mid-June were in Brazil (more than 4-fold increase), ‘followed by Colombia (49,000), Nicaragua (33,000) and Mexico (20,000).’ Honduras also gets a mention as last year’s total has been topped by around 5,000 cases already – dengue emergencies were declared in 12 departments in mid-June. Brazil and El Salvador have also recorded an increase in chikungunya cases over last year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Dengue fever is common in most tropical or sub-tropical regions of the world. The virus is spread by daytime-feeding Aedes mosquitoes and to avoid it and other insect-borne diseases, travellers should apply an insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD), to exposed skin when outdoors during the day. In addition, cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks around dawn and dusk, as well as other times when the mosquitoes are active.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.