24 Jun 2024 | 01:18 PM UTC
Mexico: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially Guerrero, in June
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Mexico in June. Guerrero is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas across Mexico, with 91,093 cases reported Jan. 1-June 16. This is compared to 25,874 cases reported during a similar period in 2023. Guerrero (18,081 cases) is most affected, followed by Tabasco (10,918 cases), Quintana Roo (7,639 cases), Oaxaca (7,422 cases), Veracruz (6,995 cases), Morelos (4,886 cases), Colima (4,813 cases), Chiapas (4,713 cases), and Nayarit (4,169 cases). Local health officials urge the public to take the necessary mosquito bite prevention measures, including regularly clearing possible mosquito breeding sites. This report represents the most complete data available as of June 24.
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 considered a year-round, nationwide threat in Mexico; however, the risk is highest from June to October. Health authorities identified roughly 227,669 cases of dengue fever in 2023, 57,618 cases in 2022, 35,783 cases in 2021, and 120,180 cases in 2020.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. 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. There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) and Qdenga (TAK-003). Dengvaxia is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and who live in dengue-endemic countries or areas. Qdenga is recommended for use in children aged 6–16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. Check with your healthcare provider if dengue vaccination is needed.
