by Mila McManus, MD
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory to clinicians, health authorities, and the public on Tuesday (6/25/24) about an increased risk for dengue (pronounced ”deng-gay”) virus infections in the United States. Globally, there has been a record-breaking incidence of the mosquito-borne viral disease. While there is no evidence of a current outbreak in the 50 continental states, there are three times more dengue cases than at the same time last year. Countries in the Americas have already reported the highest number of cases ever recorded in a single year. Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency due to the unusually high number of reported dengue cases.
Dengue fever, a potentially severe viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, is not contagious. It is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. The mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. Many dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, but occasionally more severe cases, including death, occur. Individuals infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue, symptoms appearing after the fever has subsided. The best prevention and control is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.
Symptoms usually begin 4-10 days after being bitten and last 2-7 days. Common symptoms include:
- high fever
- severe headache
- pain behind the eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- nausea and/or vomiting
- swollen glands
- rash.
Treatment normally targets pain relief. If you get dengue, it is important to rest, drink plenty of liquids, use acetaminophen for pain, avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and watch for severe symptoms, contacting your doctor as soon as possible if you notice them.
References
AMA Morning Rounds <MorningRounds@ama.bulletinhealthcare.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 26, 2024 at 8:09 AM
World Health Organization. Fact Sheets. April 23, 2024