Fiji’s government recently announced a travel warning as the island country continues to deal with an outbreak of the virus that causes dengue fever. The potentially deadly virus, spread by mosquitoes, has led to the Central Division reporting over 1,000 cases between January and late March this year. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings over the increasing incidence of dengue fever. This is a highly infectious and damaging disease that is rapidly expanding in Mexico, Canada, and much of the rest of the Caribbean and Central/South America.
In fact, just this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised their health alert for dengue fever to a Level 1. So far they have only recommended to travelers to Fiji that they “take normal precautions,” which consists of helpful things like remembering to bring mosquito repellent. Dengue fever is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate protective action by the government. This guidance is especially critical for communities experiencing active outbreaks.
“About half the world’s population is now at risk for dengue with an expected 100 to 400 million infections occurring each year,” stated the WHO, emphasizing the global nature of this health threat. Travel is going to be booming again this spring and summer. Currently, the CDC estimates that this peak season for dengue in many countries increases the risk for travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the United States.
In Fiji, healthcare workers are understandably on high alert. The two departments are closely tracking the incidence and have been ahead of the curve in warning that dengue is on the rise. The government’s statement noted, “If we continue to release planet-warming gases into our atmosphere through industrial pollution, landfills, and other forms of pollution, dengue and other vector-borne illnesses will only thrive.”
Fiji is not the only region currently battling a spike in dengue fever. On June 9, 2023, a 19-year-old patient named David Salazar was treated at Support Hospital II in Sullana, northern Peru. Doctors at the facility were photographed tending to patients laying beneath mosquito nets, depicting the continuing fight against this virus.
It’s important that as travelers plan their upcoming trips, they remain aware of the risk for dengue fever. Knowing these dangers is key to keeping them safe. The CDC’s travel advisory serves as a critical reminder to always take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Leave a Reply