Don't Forget about Dengue!

Updated: December 23, 2011

Travel Health Notice

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

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.

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:

• Asia:
  • A risk of dengue is present in South and Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Maldives, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Oceania:
  • The Republic of the Marshall Islands is experiencing an outbreak of dengue.
• South America, Central America, and the Caribbean:
  • The majority of countries in this region are reporting dengue activity.
  • Aruba, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, and Venezuela are reporting a large number of dengue cases.

A map of the areas where dengue occurs (External lin 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.