The capital Santo Domingo has reported most of the country’s dengue fever infections with YTD figures exceeding those for the same period in 2018. Within the region, there are updates from Mexico (highest incidence in Veracruz, Chiapas, Jalisco and Quintana Roo) and Panama (507 cases, provinces hardest hit are Colón, Herrera, Panamá Norte, Coclé, Panama Metro and San Miguelito). While measures introduced to reduce mosquito numbers in Jamaica appear to be working after rates of new infections in one district, St Ann, declined. More updates from across the Americas were published by ProMED on Apr 25.
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.