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Dengue Fever in India

13 Sep 2012

The media has reported on dengue fever in West Bengal state in the east of the country. The health department has recorded 1224 cases of dengue fever and five associated deaths.

The worst affected area is the city of Kolkata (Calcutta) with 766 cases of dengue fever; all five deaths occurred in the city. Neighbouring North 24 Parganas district has recorded 188 cases. Of the 19 districts of the state, 17 are reporting cases of dengue fever.

Advice for Travellers

India is a popular tourist destination and travellers should be aware of the risk of dengue fever. Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.