Dengue Outbreak in Paraguay (Asuncion and Central)

26 Feb 2018

Media reports  that Paraguay's ministry of Public Health issued a health alert on 23 February 2018 as the number of deaths from dengue rose to 5.

There have been 1 167 cases  of dengue, including these 5 deaths from 1 January to 10 February 2018. The increase in cases is due to outreaks near the capital, Asuncion, and in the neighbouring Central department, where 83% of cases have been identified.

In 2017, there were 616 cases (no deaths) of dengue in Paraguay. The last major dengue outbreak in Paraguay was in 2012 and 2013 when a total of 322 people died.

Advice for Travellers

The best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites. As the transmitting mosquitoes bite from dawn until dusk, long clothing should be worn and repellents should be used all day.

See also information about Insect Bite Avoidance.

Medical attention must be sought for any feverish illness experienced whilst travelling or on your return home.

There is no vaccine against dengue fever for travellers.

A vaccine for use in people living in dengue affected countries aged between 9 – 45 years has been licenced in Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico and the Phillippines. However, use of the vaccine is now under review due to safety concerns (December 2017).

For further information see Dengue Fever.