In response to the recent locally acquired outbreak of dengue fever in Japan, the first such cases seen in some 70 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel notice for individuals traveling to Japan today.
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The CDC notes that the Japanese Ministry of Health says 80 confirmed cases of dengue have been reported in Japan, as of September 8, 2014. Almost every case has been in a person who was in or near Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. In response to the outbreak, the Health Ministry along with the Tokyo Metropolitan government have closed parts of Yoyogi, Shinjuku Gyoen and Meijijingu Gaien parks in an effort to prevent further dengue transmission.
Although the risk to travelers is believed to be low and the Japanese government is working to control the outbreak, this reappearance of dengue in indicates that travelers to Japan should protect themselves against mosquito bites, the federal health agency said.
Since there is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent dengue, travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. This includes covering exposed skin, using an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or other active ingredients.
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