CDC warns of increased risk of dengue virus in the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert Tuesday warning the public about an increased risk of dengue virus (DENV) infections in the U.S. this year as cases continue to rise in Worldwide.

Countries of the Americas reported the highest number of cases ever, surpassing the record for an entire year in less than six months. Since the beginning of 2024, there have been a total of 9.7 million cases of dengue, more than double the number recorded in the entire year 2023 (4.6 million).

The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that thrive in warm climates and have expanded their geographic range as climate change brings warmer climates to new areas. The high number of cases so early in the year has caused concern among health authorities about the scope of the virus.

In the United States, transmission is most common in six U.S. territories and loosely associated states, which are classified as areas with frequent or contiguous dengue transmission. Local transmission in continental states has been more limited than in the territories, but has still worsened in recent years as the climate has warmed.

This year, the high rate of transmission led Puerto Rico to declare a public health emergency, with 1,498 cases recorded since the beginning of January, including 745 cases identified among North American travelers. The World Health Organization also declared an emergency in December.

Other states have registered higher than expected numbers since January, including Florida (197 cases), New York (134 cases), Massachusetts (50 cases), California (40 cases), Colorado (14 cases), Arizona (9 cases) and District of Columbia (8 cases), among others.

In a health advisory released Tuesday, the CDC warned health care providers to be alert for the infection, especially those who have recently traveled to areas with higher transmission rates. They should order appropriate diagnostic tests as needed, ensure timely reporting of new cases to public health authorities, and promote mosquito bite prevention measures, the statement said.

Most cases do not cause serious symptoms, but about one in four infections is symptomatic. These cases may present with mild or severe symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and light bleeding.

Severe dengue occurs in approximately 1 in every 20 symptomatic cases. It usually requires hospitalization and can develop within a few hours. Severe cases can result in hemorrhage, shock, organ failure and death.

O CDC categorizes global dengue as a “level 1” risk, out of four levels, meaning travelers should “practice usual precautions.” The CDC encourages travelers to at-risk areas to use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or with window screens.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story