In a recent report by CBS News, it was revealed that dengue fever cases are shattering international records, prompting U.
S. health officials to issue a warning to physicians to be vigilant for the mosquito-borne virus.
This has raised questions about the exact locations where the disease has been identified.
According to the officials, there is no evidence of an ongoing outbreak. However, the number of cases reported this year has tripled compared to the same period last year across the 50 states. These cases are primarily from infections contracted by travelers abroad.
"Dengue remains less common in the continental United States than other parts of the world," the report stated. The virus is a significant cause of illness in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, with nearly half of the global population living in areas at risk of dengue, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In response to the surge in cases, the World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared an epidemic in March. So far this year, nearly 1,500 locally acquired U.S. cases have been reported, with the majority of them in Puerto Rico.
According to CBS News, local mosquitoes still pose a threat, as highlighted in Tuesday's health alert. Physicians are advised to be familiar with the symptoms, inquire about patients' recent travel history, and consider ordering dengue tests when necessary.
"We've seen a huge outbreak in Latin America over the last several months. There are parts of the United States that are also at risk, in particular the Gulf Coast, Florida, Texas, also parts of southern California," said Dr. Cline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.
The dengue virus, often referred to as "break-bone fever" due to the severe pain it can cause, is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. "Part of what we're seeing now is with climate change with increasing areas that are hot, humid, which are friendly to mosquitoes, where mosquitoes breed we're seeing more transmission of dengue," Gounder added.
Gounder also provided some advice for travelers, suggesting they stay in places with air conditioning or screened windows to reduce exposure, use insect repellents with DEET or picaridin, and avoid areas with standing water or high concentrations of mosquitoes.
While many people infected with dengue do not develop symptoms, others may experience a relatively mild illness that typically improves within one to two weeks, according to the World Health Organization. However, for some, the infection can progress to severe dengue, a medical emergency that may necessitate hospital care.
The CDC states that about one in four people infected with dengue will fall ill, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Approximately one in 20 people who fall ill will develop severe dengue, which can lead to shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
The most common symptom is fever, which usually starts four to ten days after infection and lasts for two to seven days, according to the WHO. Additional warning signs that could indicate severe dengue were also highlighted.
The CDC advises seeking immediate professional help if any of these symptoms are present. "Warning signs usually begin in the 24 to 48 hours after your fever has gone away," the CDC stated. This report underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness in the face of the increasing threat posed by dengue fever.
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