02 Sep 2017 | 07:02 AM UTC
Mexico: Rates of mosquito-borne diseases down
Rates of mosquito-borne diseases Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya down in 2017; continue to take measures to avoid mosquito bites
Event
Mexican health officials have announced that rates of diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito have fallen in 2017. Between January and late August, fewer than 4000 total cases of the Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya were reported. This represents a 44 percent fall from the same period in 2016, and a major fall from 2013 when nearly 64,000 cases were reported over 12 months.
Context
This is in line with downward trends in rates of mosquito-borne diseases in the region - including in El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Honduras - due in part to mosquito eradication campaigns as well as the cyclical nature of outbreaks.
Although the Zika virus is usually relatively benign, links between it and severe birth defects as well as the potentially fatal neurological disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) have been established. The virus is asymptomatic in approximately 80 percent of cases; when symptoms do occur, they generally appear two to seven days after infection, and include fever, headache (behind the eyes), conjunctivitis, rashes, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. The disease can also be transmitted via sexual intercourse.
Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.
Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, headache, joint and muscle ache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and rashes. The virus is infrequently fatal but potentially debilitating joint pain can last for weeks, even months, after the initial recovery.
Advice
Despite the improving situation, individuals in Mexico are advised to continue to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to seek medical attention if presenting the above symptoms. It should be noted that the Aedes aegypti mosquito is not present in high-altitude areas (including the capital Mexico City).
