Health Alert: National Health Emergency Declared in Guatemala Due to Dengue Epidemic
Location: Throughout Guatemala
Event: Guatemala’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) has declared a National Health Emergency due to an early and steep rise in dengue cases in Guatemala. As of late June, Guatemala is reporting more than five times the typical number of cases for this time of the year, including both dengue fever and severe (formerly called hemorrhagic) dengue cases.
To date, there have been over 35,000 reported dengue infections in Guatemala, more than 5 times higher than the corresponding week in 2023. Half of the cases are in children under the age of 15 years. At this time there are 10 deaths confirmed, the majority among children under age 15 (and the actual number likely higher). Most of Guatemala’s health areas are in “red alert” for the incidence of cases. Thus far, the areas with the highest incidence (cases/population) of dengue are in the departments of Jutiapa, Santa Rosa, Zacapa, El Progreso, and Baja Verapaz, although higher altitude departments particularly Sacatepéquez and Quetzaltenango, as well as the department of Guatemala are also reporting significant numbers of cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided the following information about dengue on their website:
About Dengue
Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses (dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4), all of which have been detected this year in Guatemala. The same type of mosquitoes can also spread chikungunya, Zika, and other viruses, though these are infrequently reported at present in Guatemala. If a person is infected with different dengue viruses during their life, it increases the chance of severe disease.
Mosquitoes Spread Dengue
Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Aedes mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers with standing water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases. Mosquitoes come out to feed around sunrise and sunset, but people can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time. Aedes mosquitoes often like to rest in closets or other indoor locations near humans.
· Wear repellent to reduce mosquito bites. Repellents with DEET or picaridin give the longest protection, but there are many effective options available.
· Remove standing water where mosquitos may lay eggs, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Check indoors items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers.
· Close windows and doors or install screens. Consider using an indoor insecticide if you have mosquitoes in your home.
Dengue Symptoms and Warning Signs
Infection with dengue virus can result in no symptoms, mild, or severe illness. Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and requires care at a hospital.
The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, and pains (including muscle, joint, or bone pain or eye pain, typically behind the eyes). There is no specific medicine to treat dengue virus infection.
About one in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death. If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop severe dengue when re-infected with a different serotype, though severe disease can also occur on the first infection. Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe dengue.
Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24-48 hours after your fever has gone away. Immediately seek medical evaluation if you have any of the following symptoms: belly pain or tenderness, vomiting (at least three times in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in your stool, or feeling tired, restless, or irritable. Do not delay seeking medical attention.
Actions to Take:
· Consult the CDC website for more information about dengue transmission, testing, symptoms and treatment, and mosquito control.
· Seek medical treatment if experiencing any warning signs or any symptoms that cause you concern.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala
Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16
Website: https://gt.usembassy.gov/
Phone: (502) 2354-0000
Email: U.S. Citizens Services Navigator
Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
1-202-501-4444 from other countries
Visit the Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory page
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Visit Ready.Gov for information on emergency preparedness.
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