Brunei: Nationwide dengue fever outbreak

Event

A dengue fever outbreak has been reported in across Brunei. According to health officials, at least 37 cases have been confirmed in 2018 as of May 9. Most cases have been reported in Kampong Ayer. Efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and other preventative measures against the spread of the disease are likely in the coming weeks.

Context

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.

Advice

Individuals in Brunei, particularly in Kampong Ayer, are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito-netting or in an air conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).