28 Oct 2018 | 05:02 PM UTC
Honduras: Two deaths reported from severe dengue Oct. 25
Health officials link two deaths in Cortés to severe dengue; at least 404 cases reported as of October 25
Event
Authorities identified two deaths attributed to severe dengue on Thursday, October 25, in the Cortés department, bringing the total reported cases of dengue to 5603 year-to-date. Since the start of 2018, there have been 404 cases of severe dengue in Honduras. Officials recorded 308 cases of severe dengue the previous year and no deaths. The Ministry of Health has advised individuals to take precautions against mosquitoes.
Context
The risk of dengue in Honduras is present year-round, with peak transmission from October to February, during the rainy season. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms 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, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.
Advice
Individuals present in Cortés department are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing and using insect repellent).
