Dengue Fever Epidemic Declared in Puerto Rico Amid Global Surge
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s health secretary declared an epidemic on Monday following a spike in dengue cases. The U.S. territory of 3.2 million people has reported at least 549 cases so far this year, compared with a total of 1,293 cases for all of last year. The majority of cases have been reported in the capital of San Juan.
The Global Impact of Dengue Fever
More than 340 people have been hospitalized for the mosquito-borne virus, according to the island’s health department. Puerto Rico last declared a dengue epidemic in 2012. More than 5 million dengue cases were reported worldwide last year, with nearly 80% of them occurring in the Western Hemisphere, according the World Health Organization. The region has reported some 3 million cases so far this year, with health officials noting that higher rainfall along with humidity and heat linked to climate change have contributed to a rise in cases.
Severe Cases and Prevention
The virus can cause crushing headaches, fever, vomiting, a rash and other symptoms. While most infected people don’t get symptoms, severe cases can lead to plasma leakage and death. Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency over dengue, a mosquito-borne illness that has surged throughout the Americas this year. Health officials in Puerto Rico have identified 549 cases of dengue across the US territory of 3.2 million people, with almost half the cases concentrated in the capital of San Juan. Also known as “breakbone fever,” dengue can cause headaches, soreness, fever and rashes — and, in extreme cases, death.
Measures for Detection and Prevention
“This year, cases of dengue have surpassed historical records,” Health Secretary Carlos Mellado said in a statement. The emergency declaration has no immediate impact on travel to or from Puerto Rico, a popular holiday destination, but it will make it easier for the health department to access funding for detection and prevention, Mellado said. There have been major outbreaks of dengue this year across large swathes of the Americas, including Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Peru. Last year, parts of Florida were put under a mosquito-borne illness alert due to dengue.
Advice for Travelers
With the surge in dengue cases, travelers are urged to take preventive measures. These include using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under a treated bed net. Planning ahead and visiting the TravelHealthPro website for the latest health information and advice is crucial. Travelers should also consult with their GP or a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks ahead of traveling to ensure they have received all necessary vaccinations and advice for a safe trip.
If you’re traveling to a country where pesky bugs can spread diseases such as dengue, malaria, or Zika, wearing insect repellent, covering up skin, and sleeping under a bug net could keep you safe. These vital tips were given by Dr. Philip Veal, an expert in public health, working at the UK Health Security Agency.