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Dengue outbreak continues in Angola
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The CDC has reported an outbreak of more than 300 cases of dengue in the Luanda province of Angola. One death also has been confirmed.
Dengue-infected patients were aged 0.8 to 77 years (median age, 25 years; 59.9% male).
There also have been more than 79 cases of dengue in Portugal that are associated with travel to Angola. Since the beginning of 2013, Angola is the third of four African countries to report a dengue outbreak.
Public health messages have been issued in Luanda since April. Awareness of dengue is low in Angola, so the messages have focused on the signs and symptoms of dengue, including how to identify warning signs of severe disease.
The Ministry of Health of Angola, CDC and WHO are responding to the outbreak. There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent dengue, which is spread by mosquitoes.
“Residents of and travelers to areas with endemic dengue can reduce their risk for [dengue virus] infection by using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirt and pants, and sleeping in locations with air conditioning or screens on doors and windows,” researchers wrote.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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