Dengue fever outbreak in Brazil
Monday, 25 March, 2002

According to WHO, health authorities in Brazil have reported 104 469 cases of dengue and 40 deaths in Rio de Janeiro State. In the City of Rio de Janeiro the municipal health authority reported a total of 49 149 cases and 435 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever with a total of 29 deaths.

The dengue outbreak is the largest in the state's history, and the authorities have implemented an aggressive ongoing campaign to control the epidemic.

Travellers to Brazil must be aware of the seriousness of this outbreak and make every effort to reduce mosquito exposure.

Residents in Rio should reduce breeding sites where possible. While residents and travellers may be aware of the need for physical protection eg clothing and repellents they may not be familiar with the importance of environmental measures.

Dengue fever is transmitted from person to person by the bite of a certain species of mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The mosquito is a daytime biter and is most active after sunrise and before sunset. One mosquito is capable of infecting a number of people in a confined area (eg home compound). It rarely flies long distances. The elimination of breeding sites for mosquitoes in and around homes are therefore very important as unlike the mosquito that transmits malaria it does not breed in creeks, swamps and more remote water sources.

Residents in areas prone to dengue fever outbreaks should look to cleaning up potential breeding sites in and around their residence and construction companies should also do the same on construction sites - one of the problems in large cities like Rio.

It is recommended that you:

 Cover or dispose of containers with water in order to prevent the egg laying of the female mosquito
 Empty pot plant trays or add sand to them
 Empty bird baths and pet’s drinking water on a regular basis
 Upturn boats, canoes or other marine craft
 Screen water tanks with mesh
 Keep gutters and other water courses free from debris. Any pooling of water can become a potential breeding site
 Proper waste water management is essential and this must be maintained at all times
 Keep ponds and other decorative water features stocked with fish
 Maintain pools efficiently

More information on the disease itself and other factors may be obtained by visiting You’ve Got What on The Travel Doctor Staying Healthy Links.

Further information may be obtained through visiting one of the Travel Doctor Centres around Australia and overseas.

A clinic appointment may be made in Australia by phoning 1300 65 88 44 for an appointment.

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