09 Apr 2024 | 02:25 PM UTC
Guatemala: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in early April
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Guatemala in early April. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in Guatemala, with 11,489 total cases reported Jan. 1-March 30. This is compared to the 2,061 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Departments reporting disease activity that has exceeded the national incidence include Baja Verapaz, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Jalapa, Jutiapa, northern Peten, northwestern Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Sacatepequez, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, and Zacapa. Local health authorities are working to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in affected areas through applying larvicide on household containers for storing water, and fumigation. This report represents the most complete data available as of April 9.
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 Guatemala; however, transmission is typically highest May-December. Health officials reported roughly 72,358 dengue fever cases nationwide in Guatemala in 2023, 8,407 cases in 2022, 2,861 cases in 2021, and 5,983 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.
