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Dengue Fever in la Reunion

04 Apr 2018

Media quoting local public health authorities Link report a continuing outbreak of dengue in la Reunion. From 1 January to 2 April 2018 there have been 588 cases, with 154 in the past week.

Authorities say that the outbreak could intensify in the coming weeks, as the local population is not immune to dengue virus and weather conditions are conducive to mosquito breeding.

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.