11 Oct 2024 | 11:50 AM UTC
Mexico: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially Jalisco, in October /update 3
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Mexico in October. Jalisco is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas across Mexico, with an additional 97,765 cases reported Sept. 9-Oct. 9, bringing the total to 359,755 cases (75,076 confirmed) since Jan. 1. This is compared to 167,692 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Jalisco (8,436 confirmed cases) is the most affected state, followed by Guerrero (5,613 cases), Morelos (5,506 cases), Veracruz (5,296 cases), and Nuevo Leon (5,153 cases). 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 Oct. 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 considered a year-round, nationwide threat in Mexico; however, the risk is highest June-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.
