The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning to doctors to be vigilant for cases of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that is on the rise globally, increasing the risk of transmission in the US.
The surge in dengue cases is attributed to the warming climate, which favors the spread of the disease-carrying Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. While dengue has been relatively rare in the continental US, there has been a notable increase in cases among US travelers this year, with 745 cases reported through June 24.
In 2023, the US reported 1,829 travel-associated cases, the highest since dengue became reportable in 2010. Globally, there were over 5 million cases reported to the World Health Organization, with 4,000 deaths in the Americas alone.
Several states with warmer climates, such as Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Arizona, have experienced outbreaks of locally transmitted dengue cases. California reported its first locally transmitted case in Pasadena last year.
The CDC's warning emphasizes the record-high global infections in 2024, with the Americas surpassing the highest number of cases ever recorded in a single year. Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency due to the high number of dengue cases, along with other US-associated areas like American Samoa and the US Virgin Islands.
Symptoms of dengue include fever, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, headache, and nausea. Severe cases can lead to bleeding, respiratory distress, and organ failure, with a mortality rate of up to 13% in untreated patients.
Preventive measures against dengue include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and ensuring mosquito-free environments. While there is no specific treatment for dengue, supportive care with fluids and rest is recommended.
The CDC has initiated an emergency response to address the increasing dengue cases in the US, including expanding lab capacity and enhancing disease surveillance. Travelers are advised to take precautions, especially in regions where dengue is prevalent, to minimize the risk of infection.
