Dengue Fever risk in Quito

Dengue Fever Prevention Guide for Quito, Ecuador

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic complications. There is no specific antiviral treatment, making prevention essential.

Quito's risk score of 62/100 reflects moderate concern. While the city's high altitude (2,850 meters) historically limited mosquito breeding, climate change and urbanization have expanded the Aedes mosquito's range. Specific local risk factors include: standing water in flower pots, discarded tires, and water storage containers in neighborhoods with irregular water supply; warmer microclimates in lower-altitude parishes like Chillos Valley and southern districts; and increased mosquito activity during rainy seasons from October through May.

Five actionable prevention steps:

1. Eliminate standing water weekly. Empty and scrub flower pot saucers, buckets, pet bowls, and any container holding water around your home. Cover water storage tanks and barrels with tight-fitting lids.

2. Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin, especially during early morning and late afternoon when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.

3. Install or repair window and door screens. Use air conditioning when possible, as mosquitoes thrive in warm, stagnant indoor environments.

4. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when spending time outdoors, particularly in parks, gardens, and areas with dense vegetation where mosquitoes rest during daytime.

5. Support community efforts by reporting abandoned containers and stagnant water sources to local health authorities. Participate in neighborhood cleanup campaigns, especially before and during the rainy season.

If you develop sudden high fever with severe headache or body pain within two weeks of mosquito exposure, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection prevents severe complications.