Mexico: Dengue continues to spread in Guanajuato state

Event

Despite government efforts to contain the outbreak of dengue fever in Guanajuato state, the number of cases continues to rise. According to the General Directorate of Epidemiology, officials have confirmed 3572 cases of dengue fever in Guanajuato state in 2017 as of Monday, November 13. The state has 68 percent of confirmed cases nationwide; within Guanajuato, the cities of Celaya and Santa Cruz de Juventino Rosas have the highest number of confirmed cases with 809 and 128, respectively. At least two dengue-related deaths have been recorded since January.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever, transmitted via the Aedes aegypti mosquito, typically include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. The disease is mostly found in urban and semi-urban areas. Be aware that aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) should be avoided as these drugs may worsen bleeding issues associated with the diseases; patients may be given doses of acetaminophen (paracetamol).

As a reminder, other mosquito-borne diseases are present in the country, predominantly in the south, including malaria (in rural areas of Chiapas state), the Zika virus, and chikungunya.

Advice

Individuals in Guanajuato, and Mexico more generally, are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g. by wearing loose, covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or in air-conditioned room.