Bolivia: Dengue fever outbreak reported in Caranavi

Event

Health officials in Bolivia have reported an outbreak of dengue fever in the city of Caranavi (La Paz department). At least 440 confirmed cases have been recorded in 2018 as of mid-December. Officials indicate at least five people have died from the disease in the municipality. Authorities have advised individuals to take precautions against mosquitoes and the Ministry of Health is increasing its efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Context

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. In a small number of cases, the potentially deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) may develop, resulting in internal bleeding, enlargement of the liver, and high fever.

Advice

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