Paraguay: Dengue fever outbreak continues nationwide

Event

According to health officials in Paraguay, at least 30,679 cases of dengue fever, including 3413 laboratory-confirmed cases and 15 associated deaths, have been reported nationwide between January 1 and early November. Public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, are anticipated in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. DHF is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. 

Advice

Individuals in Paraguay are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito netting or in an air-conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).