16 Sep 2024 | 07:52 AM UTC
Mexico: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in September /update 2
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Mexico in September. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas across Mexico, with an additional 82,641 cases reported between Aug. 11-Sept. 8, bringing the total to 261,990 cases (53,256 confirmed) reported since Jan. 1. This compares to 109,081 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. The most affected states include Guerrero, Oaxaca, Morelos, Tabasco, Veracruz, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Chiapas. Local health officials urge the public to take mosquito bite prevention measures, including regularly clearing possible mosquito breeding sites. This report represents the most complete data available as of Sept. 16.
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. 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 children aged 6–16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. Check with your healthcare provider if dengue vaccination is needed.
