What is the Current Situation?
Dengue virus is present in all tropical and many subtropical areas worldwide. The mosquitoes that carry dengue bite most often in the morning and evening and during hot, wet times of the year. However, they can bite and spread infection all year long and at any time of day.
Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands
As of August 2012, cases of probable dengue continue to occur in Mogadishu, Somalia. As of May 2012, probable dengue cases have been reported in eastern Kenya, and cases have been confirmed in Mandera, Kenya. The Kenyan Ministry of Health and local health officials are working with local hospitals and clinics to monitor the situation.
Atlantic Islands
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control1,148 cases of dengue (517 cases laboratory confirmed) have been reported as of November 4, 2012, on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Fifty-seven people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
South Pacific and Southeast Asia
From September 2011 to April 2012, an outbreak of dengue in the Federated States of Micronesia resulted in more than 1,200 cases and two deaths. Starting in July 2012, cases have increased on Yap Main Island. Cases of probable dengue are also being reported in the Yap Outer Islands.
Confirmed dengue cases have been reported in US travelers returning from destinations in Asia, specifically the Philippines and Thailand. Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are among the countries reporting dengue activity in 2012.
Australia also continues to report sporadic dengue activity in areas of northern Queensland.
The Americas and the Caribbean
In 2012, dengue cases have been reported in most countries in Latin America. Confirmed dengue cases have been reported in US travelers returning from Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
Middle East
Dengue activity is reported occasionally throughout the Middle East, including areas popular with travelers, such as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Currently, dengue cases are being reported in Pakistan and Yemen.
What is Dengue?
Dengue fever is the most common cause of fever in travelers returning from the Caribbean, Central America, and South Central Asia. This disease is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and cannot be spread person to person.
Severe dengue can be fatal, but with good treatment, less than 1% of patients die from dengue.
Symptoms of dengue include:
- fever
- headache
- pain behind the eyes
- joint and muscle pain
- rash
- nausea/vomiting
- mild bleeding, such as nose or gum bleeding or easy bruising
People who have had dengue before may get severe dengue if they are infected again. Anyone with dengue who experiences the following warning signs should go to a doctor or emergency room immediately:
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
- Red spots or patches on the skin
- Bleeding from nose or gums
- Vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools (feces, excrement)
- Drowsiness or irritability
- Pale, cold, or clammy skin
- Difficulty breathing
How Can Travelers Protect Themselves?
Travelers can reduce their risk of dengue infection by protecting themselves from mosquito bites:
- Stay in hotels that are well screened or air conditioned.
- Use insect repellent on uncovered skin.
- Look for a repellent that contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.
- Always follow the instructions on the label when you use the repellent.
- If sunscreen is needed, apply before applying insect repellent.
- Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
- For more protection, clothing may be sprayed with a repellent containing permethrin. (Don’t use permethrin on skin.)
If you return from a trip abroad and get sick with a fever, seek medical care right away. Tell the doctor about your recent travel.