20 Feb 2024 | 09:56 AM UTC
Colombia: Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide, especially Valle del Cauca, in February
Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in Colombia, especially Valle del Cauca, in February. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity nationwide, with 34,026 total cases (19,432 confirmed cases) reported Jan. 1-Feb. 10. This is compared to the 11,760 total cases reported during a similar period in 2023. Valle del Cauca (6,369 cases) is most affected, followed by Cali (4,659 cases), Tolima (3,931 cases), Huila (3,316 cases), Santander (2,511 cases), Norte de Santander (1,399 cases), Antioquia (1,311 cases), Cundinamarca (1,067 cases), and Bolivar (1,065 cases). Health officials recommend that the public take necessary disease prevention measures, including eliminating possible mosquito breeding sites, and seeking immediate medical advice if they develop symptoms. This report represents the most complete data available as of Feb. 20.
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 a nationwide, year-round threat in Colombia, however, transmission is typically highest May-November during and immediately following the rainy season. Colombia reported roughly 131,784 dengue fever cases nationwide in 2023, 69,497 cases in 2022, 53,334 cases in 2021, and 78,979 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.
