Dengue Fever Update

August 20, 2010

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras informs American citizens residing in or visiting Honduras that the Honduran Government declared a Dengue Fever Red Alert on June 22, 2010 due to the surge in the number of dengue cases. This message is an update to the warden message sent on June 28, 2010 about dengue fever. Through August 15, the Honduran Ministry of Health recorded 44,866 cases of classic dengue and 1,299 of the hemorrhagic type. The disease has claimed 56 lives in the country this year. This marks the greatest number of confirmed deaths in the past 15 years, according to the Pan-American Health Organization. The majority of the cases have been reported in the following regions: Tegucigalpa, Olancho, San Pedro Sula, Choluteca, and El Paraíso.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person. There is no vaccine to protect against infection and no treatment to stop an infection.

What are the classic symptoms of dengue?

The principle symptoms of classic dengue fever are high fever (starting 3-14 days after bite and lasting less than 7 days),severe headache (especiallybehind the eyes),joint and muscle pain(especially in the lower back), bone pain (earning the name "break-bone fever"),rash, easy bruising, and mild bleeding (e.g., nose or gums bleed).

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterized by symptoms consistent with classic dengue, however, when the fever declines, symptoms including persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and difficulty in breathing may develop. More severe symptoms may follow.

What is the treatment for dengue?

There is no medication for treatment of dengue infection. Persons who think they have dengue should use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid those containing any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as aspirin. They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consult a physician. If they feel worse (e.g., develop vomiting and severe abdominal pain) in the first 24 hours after the fever declines, they should go immediately to the hospital for evaluation.

What can be done to reduce the risk of acquiring dengue?

Persons should properly apply mosquito repellent containing 20% to 30% DEET. In addition, buildings should have air conditioning or window and door screens. The best defense against dengue is to eliminate the places where the mosquitoes lay their eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water. Items that collect rainwater or are used to store water should be covered and properly discarded.

For more information on the disease, please visit the Center for Disease Control's website.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238-5114, after hours telephone (504) 236-8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238-4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov; Webpage: http://honduras.usembassy.gov