- The CDC warns travelers to Brazil and other countries to be aware of dengue fever.
- It is spread by mosquito bites and can cause flu like symptoms.
- The CDC has released a Level 1 travel warning for this disease.
Travelers in Central and South America need to be aware of a disease that’s on the rise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its Global dengue travel noticeDue to the fact that some countries are experiencing a higher-than-usual surge of the disease.
Brazil, Colombia Fiji Mexico and Saint Lucia are included in the advisory. The agency states that the disease can be transmitted by mosquito bites and that symptoms such as fever, pain and other flu-like signs and symptoms may occur.
The advisory says that “Dengue may become severe in just a few short hours.” Severe dengue is an emergency that usually requires hospitalization.
In the full list, there are: Brazil (including Burkina Faso), Colombia, Comoros and Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji/French Polynesia/Guadeloupe/Guatemala, Guatemala, Iran, Mexico/Pakistan, Panama, Philippines/Saint Lucia/Sudan, Tonga. On a map, these countries were highlighted as having reported more cases than in previous years.
Stopping mosquito bites can help prevent dengue. As an example, the agency suggests wearing long-sleeved clothing, pants and insect repellent. The dengue vaccine is also recommended as an extra prevention measure by the agency.
A traveler who contracts dengue should seek medical advice. There is currently no medicine that can combat the disease immediately.
Stacey Rizza said that maintaining good hydration is essential, especially when people are sick or have fevers. news release. “They can take acetaminophen for fevers to bring the temperature down, then make sure they drink fluids, and get some food.”
Although some travelers are concerned about dengue, CDC’s advice is listed at the lowest priority tier: ‘Level 1 – Practice Usual precautions’. This is below Level 4 – Avoid All Travel.
The CDC provides a useful checklist on its website.Travelers’ HealthThe “section” allows you to view alerts based on destination and country.
