Dengue Outbreak Sparks Public Health Emergency in Puerto Rico

Cases of dengue are on the rise in Puerto Rico, prompting the island’s health department to declare a public health emergency.

Puerto Rico’s health department has reported 549 cases of dengue so far this year, a significant increase compared to the total number of cases in 2023, which stood at 1,293 for the entire year.

Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, is becoming a pressing concern across the Americas, the Caribbean, and Brazil, where the majority of cases have been reported.

Experts attribute the surge in dengue cases to various factors, including global warming, climate change, urbanization, and poverty, creating an environment conducive to mosquito breeding in densely populated areas.

The primary vector for dengue transmission, the Aedes mosquito, is thriving in these conditions and is responsible for spreading other diseases like chikungunya, yellow fever, and zika.

Dengue presents with symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, body aches, rash, and pain behind the eyes. While most cases are mild and resolve within a week, severe dengue can be fatal and requires hospitalization.

Prevention measures focus on controlling mosquito populations through eliminating breeding sites and personal protection, such as wearing long clothing and using insect repellent.

Although a vaccine for dengue exists, it is limited in availability and primarily administered to children who have already contracted the disease. Therefore, prevention remains crucial in managing the outbreak.

In light of the escalating dengue cases, public awareness and proactive measures are essential to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations from severe complications.

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