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Puerto Rico Declares Dengue Fever Epidemic After Sharp Surge In Cases: Key Things To Know

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has reported 549 cases of dengue in 2024. This is alarming because for the entirety of 2023, there were 1,293 cases in total, according to reports.

Written By Prerna Mittra
Updated : March 29, 2024 6:01 PM IST

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Dengue fever in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island and an unincorporated US territory, has been seeing a surge in dengue cases, so much so that it has declared an epidemic of 'dengue fever', which is a mosquito-borne illness that can be fatal at times. Earlier this week, the Puerto Rico Department of Health issued a 'declaration of public health emergency due to dengue'. In a press release, secretary Carlos Mellado López stated: "This year, dengue cases have exceeded historical figures. The teams have been working on the integrated plan for prevention and control in response to arbovirus, and we are going to expand the implemented response."

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Staggering figures

According to the Associated Press, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has reported 549 cases of dengue in 2024. This is alarming because for the entirety of 2023, there were 1,293 cases in total. AP report also stated that most of the cases are from the capital of San Juan, and that while the severity of dengue cases varies, more than 340 people have been hospitalised for it.

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Dengue fever

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in four persons infected with dengue will get sick. Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito. For people who get sick, symptoms can be 'mild' or 'severe'. Severe dengue, however, can be life-threatening, often requiring hospitalisation.

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Dengue symptoms

The CDC states that mild symptoms can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash. The most common symptom of dengue is fever, along with any of the following: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches and pains (pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain).

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Warning signs of severe dengue

When it comes to a severe case of dengue, warning signs usually begin in the 24-48 hours after the fever has gone. The CDC suggests going to the emergency room immediately if any of the following symptoms appear: belly pain, tenderness, vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, feeling tired, restless, irritable. About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue, and if you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop it.

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Treatment

Treatment typically includes taking acetaminophen (paracetamol), resting, and drinking fluids. There are no other specific medicines for the treatment of dengue.