CDC Warns of Rising Dengue Cases
Conexiant
June 25, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Health Alert Network Advisory regarding an increased risk of dengue virus infections in the U.S. for 2024. This year has seen a significant rise in global dengue cases, with countries in the Americas alone reporting over 9.7 million cases from January to June—twice the total reported throughout 2023.
In the U.S., Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency with 1,498 reported cases. Additionally, 745 dengue cases have been identified among U.S. travelers. Health care providers are encouraged to consider dengue diagnosis in patients with fever returning from regions with known dengue transmission within the past two weeks.
Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include fever, nausea, and potentially severe bleeding or shock. Peak transmission occurs in warmer, wetter months, correlating with increased travel to these regions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that health care providers use FDA-approved tests such as RT-PCR and IgM antibody tests for diagnosis and report confirmed cases to public health authorities. The CDC has activated an emergency response and is working with health departments to enhance surveillance and promote public education on prevention measures. There is a vaccine, Dengvaxia, recommended for children 9–16 years old in endemic areas, but it is not advised for travelers or other adults.