Dengue in Bangladesh, Dominican Republic and Pakistan

New cases of dengue have been reported in Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic and Pakistan.

In Bangladesh, the media reports that dengue continues to be transmitted across the country. Since the beginning of the year until 18 September 2021, 15,460 people have been admitted to hospital with dengue, including 59 deaths reported in the months of July, August and September.

Media sources in the Dominican Republic also highlight continuing transmission, reporting that over the weekend of 18 and 19 September 2021, 12 children were admitted to hospital with dengue. In the past four weeks, 314 cases have been reported in the country, bringing the total for this year to 1,207, including 13 deaths. The areas most affected are Santo Domingo Este, Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo Norte, Santo Domingo Oeste and Bani.

Additionally, media reports in Karachi, Pakistan, report 1,255 cases of dengue in the first 17 days of September 2021, with at least three deaths in the week ending 17 September 2021. Public health staff are carrying out mosquito control activities in Karachi in an attempt to control the spread of the disease. 

Advice for travellers

Dengue is an infection spread by mosquito bites that can cause a severe flu-like illness. 

• All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever, and should be aware of this infection. Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times. 
• Travellers developing a fever during or on return from travel are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Information and advice for travellers on dengue fever is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Sources: TRAVAX, 21 September 2021, TRAVAX, 21 September 2021 and TRAVAX, 21 September 2021