Chile: Dengue fever on Easter Island

Event

The Chilean Ministry of Health (Minsal) has issued an alert for Easter Island due to an outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease dengue fever. At least 14 locally-acquired cases have been reported as of late April (including ten since April 13). Fumigation and other anti-mosquito efforts have been deployed.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present on Easter Island are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in screened-in or air conditioned rooms).