Dengue in Bolivia

21 Feb 2023

The Bolivian Ministry of Health has reported 8 347 dengue cases (including 26 deaths) in the first 7 weeks of 2023.

Most of the cases are in Santa Cruz Department (6 364 cases) followed by Beni (941 cases), Tarija (506 cases), La Paz (219 cases), Chuquisaca (166 cases), Cochabamba (87 cases) and Pando (64 cases).

Dengue fever is an infection found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. It is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness.  

There is no vaccine against dengue licensed in the UK. 

Advice for Travellers

The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk.  They are particularly persistent and aggressive.

If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

• You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.

For further information see the dengue fever page.