11 Sep 2024 | 09:04 AM UTC
Guatemala: Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in September /update 3
Elevated dengue fever activity reported across Guatemala in September. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in Guatemala. An additional 11,297 cases were reported Aug. 11-24, bringing the total number of cases to 80,234 since Jan. 1. This is compared to 16,800 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Areas reporting disease activity that has exceeded the national incidence include Zacapa, Jutiapa, Santa Rosa, Sacatepequez, Baja Verapaz, Quetzaltenango, El Progreso, Escuintla, Jalapa, Chiquimula, Peten, and Suchitepequez. Local health authorities are working to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in affected areas by applying larvicide to household containers for storing water and fumigation. This report represents the most complete data available as of Sept. 11.
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.
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. 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.
