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In the News Notice
Dengue Fever Cases Waning, Southeast Asia
(Updated October 20, 2004; Released August 13, 2004)
Health authorities from the World Health Organization (WHO) South
East Asia Region Office (SEARO) report that the outbreak of dengue
fever that began in July 2004 in several Southeast Asian countries
has been controlled. On July 23, 2004, SEARO had issued a dengue
alert to all its member countries because of an increase in the
number of dengue cases in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
An outbreak of dengue fever was also reported for the first time
from Bhutan, based on testing conducted at the National Institute
of Communicable Diseases, Delhi.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease
transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes,
usually Ae. aegypti. The geographic distribution of
dengue is rapidly expanding and now includes most tropical countries
of the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, and
Africa. Symptoms of dengue include severe headache, fever, and
joint and muscle pain. Travelers to regions where dengue is present
are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito
bites at all times. The risk for contracting dengue is greater
in urban areas and lower in rural areas and areas at high altitude
above 4,500 feet (1500 meters). The risk is also greater for
people who spend prolonged periods outdoors at dawn and dusk,
when Aedes mosquitoes
are most active. Therefore, it is important to wear appropriate
clothing at those times of day, such as long-sleeved pants and
shirts. No vaccine is available for dengue; however, travelers
can further protect themselves by using insect repellent containing
up to 50% DEET and taking other measures to minimize their exposure
to mosquito bites, such as staying in hotels or resorts that
are air conditioned and that take measures to reduce the mosquito
population. If air conditioning is not available, staying in
well-screened rooms or using bed nets when sleeping can reduce
contact with mosquitoes.
For more information on dengue and the correct use of insect repellents,
visit the following websites:
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