The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory Tuesday warning the public that the risk of dengue virus infection in the United States is increased this year as the number of dengue virus (DENV) cases around the world continues to rise.
Countries of the Americas report This is the highest number of cases ever recorded, surpassing the annual record in less than six months. The number of dengue cases so far in 2024 has reached a total of 9.7 million, more than double the number of cases in all of 2023 (4.6 million).
The virus is spread by mosquitoes that breed in warm climates, and its geographic range is expanding as climate change brings warmer temperatures to new areas. With so many cases reported earlier this year, health officials are concerned about the virus’s spread.
In the United States, dengue infections occur most frequently in six U.S. territories and the freely associated states, which are classified as endemic or contiguous areas. Endemic infections in the continental states are more limited than in the U.S. territories, but have become more severe in recent years due to a warmer climate.
High infection rates have prompted Puerto Rico to declare a public health emergency this year, recording 1,498 cases since early January, 745 of which are confirmed to have been transmitted by travelers from the U.S. The World Health Organization also declared a state of emergency in December.
It has been recorded in other states Better than expected numbers Since January, cases have been increasing across the U.S., including in Florida (197 cases), New York (134 cases), Massachusetts (50 cases), California (40 cases), Colorado (14 cases), Arizona (9 cases) and the District of Columbia (8 cases).
In a health advisory issued Tuesday, the CDC warned health care workers to be vigilant for infection, especially among people who have recently traveled to areas with high infection rates. The advisory said people should order appropriate diagnostic testing when necessary, report new cases to public health authorities in a timely manner, and promote mosquito bite prevention measures.
Most cases do not become severe, but about a quarter of infected people become symptomatic. These cases may have mild or severe symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and mild bleeding.
Severe dengue fever occurs It occurs in roughly 1 in 20 symptomatic cases. Hospitalization is usually required and symptoms can develop within hours. Severe cases can lead to bleeding, shock, organ failure, and death.
of CDC Classifies Dengue Fever Globally This is a “Level 1” risk level, and travelers should “take the usual precautions.” The CDC recommends that travelers to risk areas use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or rooms with screens.
