What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Dengue Fever in Mexico (Update)

28 May 2013

Dengue fever is ongoing in Mexico. As of 11 May 2013, 163 cases have been recorded in Jalisco state in central, western Mexico.

Oaxaca state in the southwest of the country has recorded 102 cases. The worst affected municipalities are: Asuncion, Ciudad Ixtepec, Ixtaltepec, Juchitan de Zaragoza, Matias Romero, Salina Cruz and Santo Domingo Tehuantepec.

Dengue fever cases are increasing in Tabasco state in the southeast of the country along the Gulf of Mexico. As of 21 May 2013, 1000 cases have been recorded.

Veracruz state in eastern Mexico has recorded 540 cases of dengue fever; of those 243 are the more serious form, dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Advice for Travellers

Mexico is a popular tourist destination and travellers should be aware of the risk of dengue fever. Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.