Dengue Fever risk in San Salvador

Dengue Fever in San Salvador: Prevention Guide

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in severe cases, hemorrhagic complications. San Salvador's risk score of 61/100 reflects moderate-to-high transmission potential due to its tropical climate, dense urban population, and seasonal rainfall patterns that create ideal breeding conditions.

Local Risk Factors

San Salvador faces several specific challenges. The rainy season, typically May through October, increases standing water collection in neighborhoods across the city. Informal housing areas often lack proper waste management, leading to discarded tires, containers, and open water storage that serve as mosquito breeding sites. Overcrowded residential zones in districts like Soyapango, Mejicanos, and parts of San Salvador Centro see higher transmission rates. Limited access to consistent piped water forces households to store water in uncovered containers. Warm year-round temperatures averaging 25-30 degrees Celsius accelerate mosquito reproduction cycles.

5 Actionable Prevention Steps

First, eliminate standing water around your home weekly. Empty, scrub, and cover all water storage containers including barrels, buckets, flower pots, and discarded items that collect rainwater.

Second, use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk peak biting hours.

Third, install or repair window and door screens. Sleep under mosquito nets, particularly for children and during high-risk months.

Fourth, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible, treating clothing with permethrin for added protection.

Fifth, participate in community clean-up efforts and report neglected areas with standing water to local health authorities through the Ministry of Health hotline (132) or municipal offices in your district.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent high fever, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or vomiting.