A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of a record number of dengue virus infections in the Americas in 2024. Countries in the region have reported a significant increase in dengue cases, surpassing the highest number ever recorded in a single year. From Jan. 1 to June 24, there have been 9.7 million reported cases of dengue in the Americas, more than double the total number reported for all of 2023.
In the U.S., Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency due to 1,438 cases of dengue. U.S. travelers in the country have also reported higher numbers of dengue cases than expected, with 745 cases in the first six months of the year. Dengue is a virus transmitted to people through mosquito bites, and symptoms can include fever, aches, nausea, vomiting, rash, eye pain, and more severe complications.
The CDC advises preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting the virus, such as using EPA-approved repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, using air conditioning, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites by dumping standing water in containers. Health care providers are urged to stay vigilant for symptoms of dengue, educate patients