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Dengue Fever in Brazil

17 Jul 2012

The dengue fever situation in Brazil shows no real improvement with several states reporting ongoing transmission.

Ceara state in 2012, is in the midst of its 4th largest outbreak since records began. A total of 58 703 suspected dengue fever cases have been reported, of those, 38 852 have been confirmed and are distributed among 152 municipalities. Fortaleza is the worst affected area with 30 437 cases. Bahia state reports 54 363 suspected cases of dengue fever this far in 2012. Normally at this time of year there is a decrease in the number of cases however, there was a 19% increase in cases in May and a 21% increase in June compared with the same time period in 2011. Half the municipalities of Alagoas state are reporting an outbreak of dengue fever. Since the beginning of the year (2012), 50 municipalities are in an epidemic situation, 28 are on alert and 24 are under control according to health officials.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers should be aware of the risk of dengue fever and be advised to use personal protection methods to avoid mosquito bites.