Bhutan: Dengue fever outbreak continues as of early September

Event

According to health authorities, 7663 suspected cases of dengue fever have been reported in Chhukha, Samtse and, Trashiyangtse districts as of Saturday, August 31, since the outbreak was first declared in early July. At least two people have died from the mosquito-borne disease.

The city of Phuentsholing (Chhukha) is the most affected area, with 3015 confirmed cases reported on Sunday, September 8.

Further spread of the disease is possible 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 Bhutan are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g. 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 rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).