As dengue cases break international records, U.S. health officials Doctors warned on Tuesday People are being urged to be vigilant against the mosquito-borne virus, raising questions about where the disease was detected.
Officials say there is no evidence of an ongoing outbreak, but that there have been three times as many cases across all 50 states so far this year as there were at this time last year, most of them among people traveling abroad.
Dengue fever is less common in the continental United States than in other parts of the world. The virus is found primarily in tropical and subtropical climates around the world and is often the leading cause of illness in these regions. Nearly half of the world’s population is infected with dengue. Dengue risk areasAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The World Health Organization declared a state of emergency in December in response to the rapid increase in the number of infected people. Puerto Rico declares epidemic So far this year, there have been about 1,500 locally transmitted cases in the United States, nearly all of them in Puerto Rico.
In a health alert on Tuesday, authorities warned that local mosquitoes remain a threat and advised doctors to monitor symptoms, ask where patients have traveled recently and consider ordering dengue tests when appropriate.
“We’ve seen major outbreaks in Latin America in recent months, and there are areas in the U.S. that are at risk, particularly along the Gulf Coast, Florida, Texas and parts of Southern California,” said Dr. Celine Gunder, CBS News medical contributor and public health editor for KFF Health News.
What causes dengue fever?
The dengue virus, also known as dengue fever or “breakbone fever” because pain is one of its main symptoms, is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
“Part of what we’re seeing now is climate change, which is creating more hot, humid areas where mosquitoes can breed, which is leading to more dengue infections,” Gundar said.
If you do travel, Gunder recommends taking precautions.
“Reduce your exposure to bugs by staying in areas with air conditioning and screens. Use bug repellent. DEET or picaridin“And try to stay away from areas where there is standing water or where you see high mosquito populations,” she said.
According to the World Health Organization, many people experience no symptoms, or relatively mild symptoms, and usually recover within one to two weeks. However, in some people, the infection progresses and Severe dengue feverThis is a medical emergency that may require hospital treatment.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
According to the CDC, about one in four people who become infected with dengue will get sick with symptoms that range from mild to severe, and about one in 20 people who become sick will develop severe dengue, which can lead to shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
The most common symptom is fever, which is usually accompanied by the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- rash
- Pain, including pain behind the eyes
If symptoms occur, usually 4 to 10 days after infection According to the WHO, symptoms last for two to seven days.
Additional warning signs that may indicate severe dengue include:
- Abdominal pain, tenderness
- Vomiting (at least 3 times within 24 hours)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool
- Feeling tired, restless, or irritable
If you or a family member experience these symptoms, seek professional help immediately. “Warning signs usually appear within 24 to 48 hours after the fever subsides,” says CDC.
-The Associated Press contributed to this report.