Dengue Fever's Presence In Belize: Understanding The Risk

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the dengue virus. In 2019, Belize had 3,675 dengue cases throughout the country. In 2024, there were 2,100 infected people nationwide. Dengue outbreaks in Belize occur every year, and the country experienced an increase similar to 2024 in 2015. The risk of exposure varies from place to place and may be high in many localities.

Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the disease are the Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, the Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes typically live and breed in and around human homes, laying their eggs in any artificial or natural container that holds water, such as buckets, bowls, vases, and tyres.

The female Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector for dengue fever. The mosquito becomes infected with the dengue virus when it bites a person who has the virus in their blood. After an incubation period of around eight to ten days, the infected mosquito is capable of transmitting the virus to another person through its bite. The Aedes aegypti mosquito can bite multiple people during its feeding period, making it a highly efficient vector for the disease.

To reduce the risk of dengue fever transmission, it is essential to eliminate the mosquito's breeding and egg-laying sites. This includes removing standing water from containers, covering water storage areas, and properly disposing of trash. Additionally, individuals can protect themselves by wearing long sleeves and using insect repellents to minimise exposed skin for mosquitoes to bite.

While dengue fever is typically transmitted through mosquito bites, there are rare cases where it can be spread through other routes, such as from a pregnant person to their fetus or through blood transfusions or organ transplants.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for the spread of the dengue virus

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes prefer to bite humans, even in the presence of alternative hosts, and they feed multiple times during one gonotrophic cycle, increasing the risk of disease transmission. They are daytime feeders, with peak biting periods early in the morning and in the evening before dusk. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can fly up to 400 meters to find water-filled containers to lay their eggs but usually remain close to human habitations.

The spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and the diseases they carry has been aided by international travel and trade. Their global distribution has increased over the past 30 years, and climate change could further expand their range. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a significant public health concern, and their control and elimination require coordinated efforts from local authorities, the public sector, the private sector, NGOs, families, and individuals.

To reduce the risk of acquiring dengue, it is essential to eliminate the mosquitoes' egg-laying sites through source reduction. This involves lowering the number of eggs, larvae, and pupae by removing or covering water-filled containers and regularly cleaning and scrubbing essential containers to remove eggs. Personal protection measures, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellents, are also important to reduce mosquito bites.

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness with symptoms such as fever, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue

The symptoms of dengue fever usually begin 4-10 days after infection and can last for up to a week. In addition to fever, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, other common symptoms include headache, chills, nausea, eye pain, rash, and abdominal pain. In some cases, dengue fever can lead to severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums or nose, and blood in vomit or stool. This more severe form of the disease is known as severe dengue and can be life-threatening.

The risk of contracting dengue fever is higher in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. Belize, with its tropical climate and urban centres, is one such area where dengue fever is a risk. In 2019, there were 3,675 reported cases of dengue fever in Belize, with most cases occurring in the Cayo and Belize districts. While dengue fever is a concern in Belize, it does not typically occur in tourist areas such as the cayes, Placencia, or Hopkins.

To prevent dengue fever, it is important to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day when the mosquitoes that spread dengue are most active. This can be done by wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellents on the skin and clothing. It is also important to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water and covering, emptying, and cleaning water storage containers.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dengue fever, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain, and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical care.

Severe dengue symptoms include bleeding gums and blood in the vomit

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, including Central and South America, Africa, parts of Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Dengue fever is usually asymptomatic, but when symptoms do appear, they typically begin 3 to 14 days after infection. These symptoms may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash and itching.

In rare cases, dengue fever can develop into severe dengue, a life-threatening condition previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Severe dengue symptoms include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, extreme thirst, pale and cold skin, and feelings of weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

The risk of severe dengue is higher for individuals who are infected for the second time. This is because infection with one type of dengue virus usually gives lifelong immunity to that type but only short-term immunity to the others. Consequently, subsequent infection with a different type of dengue virus increases the risk of severe complications due to a phenomenon known as antibody-dependent enhancement.

To prevent dengue fever, it is important to take steps to avoid mosquito bites, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. This includes wearing clothing that fully covers the skin, using mosquito netting while resting, and applying insect repellent containing DEET or other approved ingredients. Additionally, it is important to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water and filling low spots where water can pool.

While there is currently no specific treatment for dengue fever, it is important to manage symptoms and seek medical care if necessary. For mild cases, treatment is focused on treating pain symptoms with medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol). Severe cases of dengue require hospitalization and supportive treatment, including fluid administration through the mouth or intravenously.

Dengue outbreaks in Belize occur yearly, especially during the rainy season

In 2019, Belize experienced a dengue outbreak with over 3,600 cases reported nationwide. This number was twice as high as the number of cases reported in 2018 and 20 times higher than the number of cases reported in 2017. The outbreak mainly affected the northern districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, with smaller numbers of cases reported in the Cayo, Stann Creek, Toledo, and Belize Districts.

The risk of dengue in Belize varies from place to place and may be high in many localities. The risk of exposure can be reduced by taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and avoiding areas with standing water. It is also important to keep yards clean and free of items that can hold water, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness that can cause fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, chills, fatigue, weakness, congestion, and sore throat. In some cases, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as bleeding gums and blood in the vomit. It is important to seek immediate medical care if these symptoms develop.

In addition to dengue, the Aedes aegypti mosquito can also transmit the chikungunya and Zika viruses, so it is important to be aware of the risk of these diseases as well.

Frequently asked questions