SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – In an emergency room in Puerto Rico, a 9-year-old girl named Genesis was brought in with symptoms of fever, aches, and dehydration. Despite showing no respiratory symptoms, the pediatrician suspected dengue as the cause of her illness. Genesis is one of 10 million people worldwide who have fallen ill with dengue this year, a surge attributed to climate change accelerating the spread of the virus through mosquitoes.
The increase in global temperatures has allowed the mosquitoes that carry dengue to expand their range, leading to an overwhelming number of cases in countries like Brazil, Bangladesh, and Puerto Rico. The public health crisis in Puerto Rico, with more dengue cases reported in the first five months of 2024 than all of last year, has sparked concerns about similar outbreaks in other parts of the world.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about the increased risk of dengue infections in the United States, urging clinicians to be vigilant when treating feverish patients who have traveled to dengue-endemic areas. While the virus remains one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, the dire consequences of severe dengue infections highlight the need for better prevention and control measures.
The article addresses the challenges of combating dengue, a disease for which there is currently no cure and limited vaccination options. The only dengue vaccine available in the United States, Dengvaxia, is set to run out by 2026, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Efforts to develop new vaccines are underway, but access to these vaccines and awareness about the disease remain low in many communities.
Puerto Rico’s battle against dengue showcases the importance of proactive mosquito control measures and community awareness to prevent the spread of the virus. With rising global temperatures contributing to the proliferation of mosquitoes, countries around the world must take action to mitigate the impacts of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Overall, the article highlights the urgency of addressing the dengue crisis, especially in the face of climate change and the potential for more frequent and severe outbreaks in the future. By understanding the challenges posed by dengue and taking preventive measures, communities can better protect themselves from this deadly disease.