Dengue Fever Rages in the Americas: Unprecedented Number of Cases Sparks Alarm for Travelers and Healthcare Professionals

In 2024, countries in the Americas have seen a record number of dengue cases, surpassing the highest number ever recorded in a single year. From January to June, there have been 9.7 million reported cases of dengue in the Americas, more than double the number of cases in all of 2023. Dengue is a dangerous virus that is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause severe symptoms such as fever, aches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and eye pain. Severe cases may involve symptoms of severe bleeding, shock, or respiratory distress.

Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency due to dengue, with 1,438 cases reported. U.S. travelers to the region have also experienced higher numbers of dengue cases than expected, with 745 cases in the first six months of the year. To prevent dengue, healthcare providers are advised to stay alert for dengue symptoms and educate patients on how to avoid mosquito bites by using EPA-approved repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing. They should also use air conditioning and window screens and eliminate mosquito egg-laying sites by dumping containers that hold water.

There is currently no antiviral medication to treat dengue but there are two vaccines recommended for children aged 9 to 16 who have had dengue before or live in high-risk areas like Puerto Rico: Dengvaxia and TAK-003 prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Proper management of dengue symptoms with help from a medical professional can reduce the mortality rate from about 13% to less than 1%. It’s important for individuals who may have been exposed to dengue or those who are experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.