A dengue fever outbreak, first announced in December, continues unabated with suspected cases now numbering nearly 700 – most from Anjouan, Moheli islands and Ngazidja. While on Reunion Island, the summer months have seen dengue cases escalate again – mostly in the south, however authorities have reported a recent increase in the west (Saint-Leu and Le Port) and east (Saint-Benoît). In the Caribbean, over 1,200 suspected dengue cases have been reported in the French Antilles since the Mar 8 update – the majority of those from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Dengue epidemics were declared in January in Guadeloupe and Saint Martin; Martinique is considered ‘at risk of an epidemic’. ReliefWeb has published an update on dengue fever across Central America following the region’s record year in 2019; and a local news report from Honduras points to a 40 percent increase in cases this 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.