09 Oct 2024 | 03:42 PM UTC
Costa Rica: Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide, especially Alajuela, in October /update 1
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in Costa Rica in October. Alajuela is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity nationwide in Costa Rica, with an additional 5,027 cases reported Aug. 24-Sept. 22, bringing the total case count to 24,965 cases since Jan. 1. This is compared to 12,357 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Alajuela (7,209 cases) is the most affected province, followed by San Jose (6,426 cases), Puntarenas (5,216 cases), Cartago (3,172 cases), Limon (1,117 cases), Guanacaste (929 cases), and Heredia (794 cases). Health authorities urge the public to take mosquito bite prevention measures and to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing any disease symptoms. This report represents the most complete data available as of Oct. 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 risk in Costa Rica, with the risk of infection typically highest during the rainy season, from May-November. Costa Rican health authorities reported roughly 30,649 dengue fever cases nationwide in 2023, 7,485 cases in 2022, 5,174 cases in 2021, and 10,056 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.
