Location: Honduras, countrywide
Event: Dengue fever epidemic.
Dengue fever epidemics occur every four to five years in Honduras due to its tropical and subtropical climates. Currently, Honduras is seeing a sharp increase in cases of dengue fever, especially in children. As a result, the Government of Honduras has declared a state of emergency.
The most affected departments are Cortés, Yoro, Olancho, and Santa Bárbara. Including cases reported in the San Pedro Sula metropolitan area, 75 percent of all cases reported to date originated in northwestern Honduras.
Actions to Take:
- Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’swebsite on dengue fever.
- Select accommodations with well-screened windows and doors or air conditioning when possible. Dengue-carrying mosquitos typically live indoors and are often found in dark, cool places, such as in closets, under beds, behind curtains, in bathrooms, and on porches. Use insecticides to get rid of mosquitos in those areas.
- Wear clothing that covers the arms and legs, especially during the early morning and late afternoon, when risk of being bitten is the highest.
- Use insect repellent authorized for human use, such as those containing DEET (N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N-acetyl-Nbutyl]-ester ethyl acid aminopropionic) or Icaridin (acid-1 piperidinecarboxylic, 2-(2 – hydroxyethyl) – 1-methylpropylester), which can be applied to exposed skin or clothes and should be used in strict accordance with the instructions on the product label. There is no evidence to suggest restricting the use of these repellents in pregnant women, provided that the instructions on the product label are followed.
- For longer-term travelers and residents, empty and clean or cover any standing water that can be mosquito-breeding sites in the local residence (such as water storage tanks or flower pots).
- Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for country health advisories or call CDC at 800-232-4636 or 404-639-3534.
- Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page.
- Monitor local and social media for updates.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)with the U. S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa to receive security updates – https://step.state.gov/
- If you develop a fever or other symptoms that might be dengue,
– See a healthcare provider.
– Tell him or her about your travel.
– Rest as much as possible.
– Take acetaminophen to control fever and relieve pain.
– Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen.
– Drink plenty of fluids such as water or drinks with added electrolytes to
stay hydrated.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras:
Telephone: +(504) 2238-5114
After-hours telephone: +(504) 2236-8497
E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov
Webpage: https://hn.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs:
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
