06 Dec 2023 | 12:30 PM UTC
Paraguay: Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide, especially Central Department, in early December
Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in Paraguay in early December; Central Department most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity nationwide in Paraguay, with 10,925 cases reported as of Dec. 1. This is compared to 1,961 cases reported over a similar period in 2022. The Central Department (2,562 cases) is most affected, followed by Boqueron (1,392 cases), Itapua (879 cases), Presidente Hayes (737 cases), Concepcion (666 cases), Cordillera (537 cases), San Pedro (400 cases), Caaguazu (322 cases), and Amambay (332 cases). Health authorities have emphasized the importance of eliminating and preventing mosquito breeding sites. This report represents the most complete data available as of Dec. 6.
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.
Risk of dengue fever in Paraguay exists in some urban areas where outbreaks can occur as well as the departments of Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion, Caaguazu, Canindeyu, and Paraguari which are considered endemic areas. Risk of infection is highest November to March. Health authorities identified roughly 7,428 dengue fever cases in Paraguay in 2022, 16,897 cases in 2021, 223,782 cases in 2020, and 11,811 cases in 2019.
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.
