What is the current situation?
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Tanzania declared a dengue outbreak in February 2014. According to the World Health Organization
, as of May 30, 2014, the outbreak has spread to 7 regions on the mainland and 2 regions in Zanzibar. The capital, Dar es Salaam, (Kinondoni, Temeke, and Ilala districts) have the highest number of cases. There have been more than 1,000 confirmed cases and 4 deaths.
CDC recommends that travelers to Tanzania protect themselves from mosquito bites.
What can travelers do to prevent dengue?
There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent dengue. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
Prevent mosquito bites:
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed.
- Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. Use products with the following active ingredients:
- DEET (Products containing DEET include Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon)
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan [outside the United States])
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals)
- IR3535 (Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart)
- DEET
- Always follow product directions and reapply as directed:
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
- Follow package directions when applying repellent on children. Avoid applying repellent to their hands, eyes, and mouth.
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pretreated clothing and gear or treat them yourself:
- Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See the product information to find out how long the protection will last.
- If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
- Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
If you feel sick and think you may have dengue:
- Talk to a doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.
- Tell him or her about your travel.
- For more information about medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care Abroad.
- Use acetaminophen. Do not take pain relievers that contain aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil) because it may increase bleeding.
- Get lots of rest and drink plenty of liquids.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/dengue-in-tanzania
