14 Mar 2024 | 02:49 PM UTC
Ecuador: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in March
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Ecuador in March. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in Ecuador, with 9,442 total cases reported Jan. 1-March 3. This is compared to the 3,243 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Manabi, and Los Rios are the most affected provinces, reporting more than 1,000 cases each. Other areas reporting elevated disease activity include Guayas, El Oro, Napo, Esmeraldas, Morona Santiago, Sucumbíos, and Cañar. Local health officials urge the public to take the necessary mosquito bite prevention measures, including regularly clearing possible mosquito breeding sites, fumigating, using mosquito repellent, and clearing waste. This report represents the most complete data available as of March 14.
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 year-round, nationwide threat in Ecuador; however, risk is typically highest October-May during and immediately following the rainy season. Health authorities reported roughly 27,838 dengue fever cases nationwide in Ecuador in 2023, 16,017 cases in 2022, 20,592 cases in 2021, and 19,950 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 promptly.
