Nearly 200 people have been infected with dengue in the states of New York and New Jersey so far this year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York has reported 143 cases and New Jersey has reported 41.
Dengue transmission is typically common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, according to the CDC.
Over 2,500 people have been infected in the U.S. so far this year, about five times higher than the same time last year. Puerto Rico currently makes up the bulk of those cases — with over 1,700 reported. The U.S. territory declared a public health emergency back in March.
The CDC issued a health alert last month warning health care providers of an increased risk of dengue virus infection this year. Globally, new cases of dengue have been the highest on record, according to the CDC.
Dengue viruses spread through mosquito bites. The most common symptom is a fever with aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and rash. Symptoms usually begin within two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last 2-7 days. Most people recover after about a week.
The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites, according to the CDC.
Map of dengue cases in the U.S.:
Map of dengue cases in the United States.
ABC News
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about the increasing risk of dengue virus infections in the United States. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in the number of cases reported in the U.S., particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.
Dengue fever is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are commonly found in urban areas and breed in standing water, making them a significant threat to public health. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and bleeding.
The CDC warns that as climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase temperatures, the range of these mosquitoes is expanding, putting more people at risk of contracting dengue fever. Additionally, international travel and trade have also contributed to the spread of the virus to new areas.
To prevent the spread of dengue fever, the CDC recommends taking measures to reduce mosquito populations and protect against mosquito bites. This includes removing standing water around homes, using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings.
It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the symptoms of dengue fever and to consider it as a possible diagnosis in patients who have traveled to areas where the virus is endemic or who have been exposed to mosquitoes in areas where dengue fever has been reported.
The CDC is working with state and local health departments to monitor and respond to outbreaks of dengue fever in the U.S. They are also conducting research to better understand the transmission of the virus and develop strategies for prevention and control.
As the risk of dengue virus infections continues to rise in the United States, it is essential for individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and for healthcare providers to be vigilant in diagnosing and treating cases of dengue fever. By working together, we can help prevent the spread of this potentially serious disease and keep our communities safe.
