“Epidemic Declared: Dengue Cases Surge in Puerto Rico”
Amidst a recent surge in dengue cases, health authorities in Puerto Rico announced an epidemic on Monday, with at least 549 reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness in the US territory this year. This starkly contrasts with the total of 1,293 cases reported in 2023, marking the first dengue epidemic in Puerto Rico since 2012.
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Dengue Case
Although cases are distributed throughout the entire US territory, nearly half are concentrated in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Despite the declaration of a public health emergency, there has been no discernible impact on tourism. Puerto Rico remains a sought-after destination for tourists, renowned for its verdant rainforests and pristine azure waters.
The Puerto Rico Department of Health has observed a staggering 350% increase in dengue cases compared to data from the past five years. Mellado López, the department’s head, remarked, “This year, dengue cases have surpassed historical figures. We have mobilized teams to enact an integrated plan for prevention and control in response to arboviruses, and we are prepared to escalate our response efforts,” as reported by Fox Weather.
López emphasized the regional scope of the issue, stating, “It is noteworthy that the surge in cases is not confined to Puerto Rico; similar trends have been observed throughout the Americas region.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged dengue as a growing global health concern, affecting approximately 4 billion people in 130 countries.
Symptoms of dengue, also known as breakbone fever, include high fever (40°C/104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. These symptoms typically manifest 4–10 days after infection and persist for 2–7 days. WHO warns that individuals infected for a second time face a heightened risk of severe dengue, characterized by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, and severe weakness, often occurring after the fever subsides.
