Don't Forget about Dengue!

Updated: September 22, 2011

Travel Health Notice

Outbreaks caused by four types of the dengue fever virus have increased in the past 25 years. About 40% of the world’s population lives in areas where there is a risk of dengue fever.

Dengue fever is the most common viral disease spread to humans by mosquitoes.  It can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites when travelling to areas where dengue fever may occur.

Where is Dengue Fever a concern?

Dengue fever occurs in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world, predominantly in urban and semi-urban areas.

It is widespread in parts of Central and South America; the Caribbean; South and Southeast Asia; Western, Eastern, and Central Africa; and Oceania.

Recently, the following areas are reporting high dengue fever activity:

• South America, Central America, and the Caribbean:
  • The majority of countries in this region are reporting dengue activity.
  • The Bahamas is reporting a large number of dengue cases. The Bahamas usually reports a few cases of dengue fever every year, but has reported hundreds of cases in recent weeks.
  • Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, and Venezuela are reporting a large number of dengue cases.
• Southeast Asia:
  • A risk of dengue is present in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • Cambodia, the Maldives, Singapore, and Vietnam are reporting particularly high numbers of dengue fever cases this year.
  • Recently, Pakistan has reported a large number of cases; most have been in the Punjab province.

A map of the areas where dengue occurs (External link) is on the website of the World Health Organization.

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites, particularly two to three hours after dawn and during the early evening.