Earlier this year, federal health officials expressed concern about an increase in the number of individuals contracting dengue in 2024. Through just the first half of 2024, countries in the Americas reported more than twice the number of cases compared to the entirety of 2023. So far, over 10 million cases have been reported this year, with significant outbreaks in Brazil and Argentina. While the United States has experienced minimal cases, Puerto Rico recently declared a public health emergency following a reported 1,500 cases through March 2024.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can be severe and sometimes fatal. The increase in cases is widespread in regions where dengue is common, as well as in areas where it is rare. Countries such as France, Italy, and parts of Central Africa seldom have any cases of dengue fever, indicating a lack of resources and protocols to effectively control the virus. United States officials have reported cases in Florida, leading to an advisory urging residents to use bug spray and avoid standing water.
While only one in four cases of dengue fever is symptomatic, some infections can produce a flu-like illness with potentially severe symptoms. Symptoms may include vomiting, headaches, high fever, and joint pain. They may last for a few weeks, and the recovery process may take over a month. The mortality rate for dengue fever is currently 5% in individuals with treated symptoms and 15% for individuals with untreated symptoms. While there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, healthcare providers manage cases with supportive care, including medications to control pain.
Many nations in Central and South America have tasked public health officials with implementing plans and precautions to contain dengue fever and properly treat those already infected before the virus spreads to new regions.
By Justin Goldberg