07 Dec 2023 | 10:09 AM UTC
Haiti: Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide, especially in Ouest Department, in early December
Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in Haiti in early December; Ouest Department is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity nationwide in Haiti, with 6,643 suspected cases, of which 729 were confirmed cases, reported Nov. 1-31. This is compared to 3,316 cases reported for 2022. The Ouest Department (2,562 confirmed cases) is most affected department, followed by Grand Anse (127 confirmed cases), Sud (114 confirmed cases), Nord (58 cases), and Centre (56 confirmed cases). The Haitian Ministry of Health urges anyone experiencing symptoms to immediately seek medical treatment at the nearest hospital or hospital center. This report represents the most complete data available as of Dec. 7.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Dengue fever is considered a year-round, nationwide threat in Haiti; however, the risk is highest from April to June, and October to November. Haitian health authorities identified roughly 3,316 dengue fever cases in 2022, 6,298 cases in 2021, and 1,783 cases in 2020.
There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with a high dengue fever burden. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner.
