CDC warns a surge in global dengue cases is raising risk in US

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning to doctors regarding the increasing cases of dengue. The rise in global dengue cases raises the risk of the disease spreading in the US. Dengue is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and wet weather. Historically, dengue cases in the US were mostly travel-associated, but this year has seen a higher number of cases among US travelers. In 2023, there were 1,829 travel-associated cases reported by US travelers. Last year, outbreaks were reported in 23 countries, with over 5 million cases and 4,000 deaths in the Americas alone. The CDC warns that global dengue infections in 2024 have reached a record high, with cases in the Americas already surpassing the previous record from a single year. Symptoms of dengue include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, and vomiting. Severe cases can lead to bleeding, respiratory distress, and organ failure. Infants, pregnant individuals, and the elderly are at a higher risk. Preventive measures include using bug spray, wearing protective clothing, and using air conditioning or window screens to keep mosquitoes out.