Introduction to Dengue Fever
The US has been warned to be on high alert for dengue cases as the tropical disease continues to break international records.
US health officials have issued a warning to doctors to be vigilant for dengue cases, as the virus spreads rapidly worldwide, aided by climate change. In just six months, countries in the Americas have already surpassed calendar-year records for dengue cases.
The Current Situation
The World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency in March. Dengue remains less common in the continental United States, but in the 50 states so far this year, there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year. Most were infections that travelers contracted abroad, and officials note there is no evidence of a current outbreak. However, they also warn that local mosquitoes pose a threat.
Symptoms and Risks
Dengue is caused by a virus spread by a type of warm-weather mosquito that is expanding its geographic reach due to climate change, experts say. Many infected people don’t get sick, but some experience headaches, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can involve serious bleeding, shock, and death. Repeated infections can be especially dangerous, as the antibodies from the first infection may fail to neutralize the second type and actually help the virus enter immune cells and replicate.
Vaccines and Treatment
There are four types of dengue virus, simply known as 1, 2, 3, and 4. When someone is first infected, their body builds antibodies against that type for life. If they get infected with another type of dengue, the antibodies from the first infection may fail to neutralize the second type — and actually can help the virus enter immune cells and replicate. There is no widely available medicine for treating dengue infections. Vaccines have been tricky, with US officials in 2021 recommending one vaccine made by Sanofi. However, it has not been widely used due to restrictions and other issues.
Global Impact
Across the world, more than 6.6 million infections were reported by about 80 countries last year. In the first four months of this year, 7.9 million cases and 4,000 deaths have been reported, according to the World Health Organization. It’s been particularly intense in the Americas, including in Brazil and Peru. In the United States, the numbers have been far more modest — about 3,000 cases last year in US states and territories. But it was the worst in a decade, and included more infections that occurred locally, courtesy of native mosquitoes.
Conclusion
The rapid spread of dengue fever worldwide is a growing concern, and the US is not immune to the threat. With climate change aiding the expansion of the virus, it is essential for doctors to be vigilant and for the public to be aware of the risks. While vaccines are available, they are not widely used, and treatment options are limited. It is crucial for individuals to take precautions when traveling to areas where dengue is common and to be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with the disease.
FAQs
- What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a tropical disease caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes. - What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Symptoms include headaches, fever, and flu-like symptoms, and severe cases can involve serious bleeding, shock, and death. - Is there a vaccine available for dengue fever?
Yes, there are vaccines available, but they are not widely used due to restrictions and other issues. - How can I protect myself from dengue fever?
Take precautions when traveling to areas where dengue is common, and be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with the disease. - What is the current situation with dengue fever in the US?
There have been three times more cases than at the same point last year, with most being infections that travelers contracted abroad.
