Big increase in reported dengue fever in Barbados

The Ministry of Health has recorded 511 cases of dengue fever along with 1 death so far this year. This total is 3 times the number of cases recorded in the same time period in 2012. There may be many more unreported cases of dengue since counting and reporting cases may be hampered by lack of local access to health care, and many persons with mild illness may not seek health care. Travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure to dengue fever virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.