28 May 2024 | 11:05 AM UTC
Honduras: Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in May
Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in Honduras in May. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health official have reported elevated dengue fever activity nationwide in Honduras, with 20,563 total cases reported from Jan. 1-May 12. This is compared to the 3,771 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Health regions reporting elevated disease activity include Metropolitana DC, Cortés, Metropolitana SPS, La Paz, and Atlántida. Local health officials continue to conduct enhanced disease surveillance, case management, and vector control activities in affected areas. This report represents the most complete data available as of May 28.
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 endemic in Honduras and is considered a year-round, nationwide threat. However, the risk is highest from May to October. Health authorities identified roughly 34,050 cases of dengue fever in Honduras in 2023, 25,337 cases in 2022, 19,753 cases in 2021, and 25,180 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.
