Wynn Macau is taking proactive measures in response to a potential outbreak of a viral infectious disease, following the stay of a guest diagnosed with dengue fever at its resort casino.
The Health Bureau of the Macau Special Administrative Region announced on Sunday, July 19, that a guest confirmed to have dengue fever had recently stayed at Wynn Macau, situated in the downtown area.
“Over the next few days, the Bureau will collaborate with appropriate venue management to implement mosquito control efforts in the identified risk zone around Wynn. Given that Aedes mosquitoes can travel up to 100 meters (328 feet) from their breeding grounds, this 100-meter radius will be the targeted area for mosquito control actions,” stated the Macau Health Bureau.
Wynn Macau, the first casino established by Wynn Resorts in Macau, opened its doors in 2006. This luxurious five-star resort features 1,014 rooms and suites across two hotel towers, alongside a casino offering 253 table games and 911 slot machines.
Located strategically between MGM Macau to the south and Casino Lisboa to the north, Wynn Macau holds a prime position in the city.
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted through mosquito bites, particularly by the Aedes mosquito. This infection is primarily found in tropical and subtropical climates, with Southeast Asia being a significant hotspot for outbreaks.
While dengue fever is not spread directly from person to person, it is transmitted when a mosquito that bites an infected individual subsequently bites another person.
Typical symptoms of dengue fever include sudden high fevers up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headaches, eye discomfort, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and pain in joints and muscles. Less frequent symptoms, associated with “severe dengue,” can include intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, bleeding from the nose and mouth, and the presence of blood in vomit or stool.
The majority of those infected with dengue fever recover within approximately two weeks, although fatalities can occur, though they are rare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no specific treatment exists for dengue or severe dengue; patients are generally advised to rest, hydrate, and manage pain with acetaminophen. Ibuprofen should be avoided due to its potential to increase bleeding risks and cause stomach irritation.
Low Risk of Pandemic
COVID-19 is believed to have originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Epidemiologists acknowledge that while dengue fever could theoretically escalate to pandemic levels, it is largely classified as a hyperendemic disease, being rather widespread in certain areas. However, factors like global warming that create favorable conditions for mosquitoes have led to a spike in dengue cases recently, with a striking 14 million cases and 9,000 fatalities reported in 2024.
“There is a pressing need for vaccine development, innovative therapies, enhanced patient management, vector control, community education, and prompt detection of severe dengue cases,” concluded researchers from Keele University in the United Kingdom in a study published in March 2025.
“Elevating dengue on the WHO’s research agenda, together with global collaboration, investment, and data standardization, is crucial in facilitating meaningful comparisons across countries and coordinating timely public health responses to lessen the disease’s impact and to avert future outbreaks,” the Keele researchers advocated.