Tropical Trouble on Our Doorstep? The Rise of Dengue in the US
Just when you thought it was safe to enjoy the summer weather, there’s a new threat buzzing in the headlines: dengue fever.
That’s right—this tropical disease, once confined to far-off vacation destinations, is now knocking on our door here, in the United States.
And it’s not just a few isolated cases we’re talking about.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an urgent warning to doctors across the nation to be on high alert for this potentially deadly mosquito-borne illness.
Here’s why you should be concerned…
Dengue fever, often called “breakbone fever” due to the severe joint and muscle pain it causes, is a viral infection spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
While it’s been a major health concern in tropical and subtropical regions for years, climate change is now expanding the mosquito’s range—and with it, the reach of this dangerous disease.
The numbers are alarming…
In 2023, a record-breaking 1,829 travel-associated dengue cases were reported in the US. This year, we’ve already seen 745 cases among US travelers as of June 24th.
Globally, more than 9.7 million people have been infected with dengue in 2024—double the number of cases seen in all of 2023.
But here’s the truly frightening part: we’re now seeing locally-transmitted cases in states like Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Arizona. California even reported its first local case last year in Pasadena.
In other words, you don’t have to travel abroad to be at risk anymore.
Symptoms of dengue can include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding, organ damage, and even death.
And unlike many other diseases, there’s no specific treatment for dengue. There’s also no widely available vaccine for travelers or adults in the US.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones?
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible.
- Use air conditioning or window screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.
- If traveling to areas where dengue is common, take extra precautions and be aware of the symptoms.
While it’s important to be vigilant, there’s no need to panic just yet. The CDC is ramping up its efforts to address this growing threat, expanding lab capacity and working with local leaders to strengthen disease surveillance.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting this tropical troublemaker.
Stay safe and mosquito-free,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). CDC Health Advisory: Increased Dengue Activity in the Americas and Risk of Local Dengue Virus Transmission in the Continental United States and Hawaii. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00506.asp
