Authorities, medical professionals, and the general public were alerted to the elevated risk of dengue fever infections in the US via a health advisory released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday.
The CDC reports that an unexpectedly high number of cases of dengue fever have been reported nationwide, prompting the notice.
There have been 2,241 instances reported in the United States thus far this year, with 1,498 of those cases occurring in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, where a public health emergency was proclaimed in March due to a rise in cases beyond historical averages. The CDC claims that travel is a factor in the majority of cases that are recorded in states.
3,036 cases of dengue were reported in the United States and its territories last year.
Over 9.7 million dengue cases have been reported in Latin American countries this year, making it the most severe dengue virus incidence on record worldwide. According to the CDC, that is twice as many as there were in all of 2023 (4.6 million cases).
The number of cases of dengue fever has increased dramatically as a result of several countries reporting rising temperatures. These temperatures make it easier for the mosquitoes that spread dengue to spawn in large numbers and carry larger doses of the virus.
Fever is the most typical symptom among those who get the disease carried by mosquitoes. Severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and bodily pain are some other symptoms.
There are mild and severe symptoms. The majority of people with dengue fever recover in a week, but in more serious situations, the illness can be fatal and necessitate hospitalization because it can cause shock, internal bleeding, or even death.
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People who have already had dengue are more prone to experience severe symptoms. According to the CDC, a person may contract dengue fever up to four times in their lifetime, one for each type of virus that can cause the illness.
According to the most current CDC advisory, medical professionals should suspect dengue more seriously in patients who have a fever, particularly if they have recently traveled to regions where dengue transmission is common. They are instructed to encourage mosquito bite avoidance measures and promptly report any cases of dengue to public health authorities.
In order to more accurately diagnose cases, the CDC said it is also taking additional steps, including as extending and enhancing laboratory testing and informing the public about the illness and how to prevent it.
When feasible, choose air-conditioned accommodations; apply insect repellent; and dress in long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
