Puerto Rico declares public health emergency due to increase in dangerous mosquito-borne infections

Puerto Rico Declares Public Health Emergency Due to Spike in Dengue Fever Cases

In response to a staggering 350% increase in dengue fever cases compared to the past five years, Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency. With over 540 reported cases so far this year, the Puerto Rico Department of Health is urgently working on an integrated plan for prevention and control in response to arboviruses.

Dengue fever, a potentially life-threatening infection transmitted through mosquitoes, has no known cures or vaccines. Symptoms include aches, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. The primary spreader of dengue in the Americas is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, with other countries in the Caribbean and Americas also reporting increases in cases and declaring public health emergencies.

The World Health Organization has issued a warning that dengue is the fastest-growing mosquito-borne illness worldwide, possibly influenced by changing climates, El Niño patterns, human conflicts, and poor access to healthcare. Increasing precipitation and warm temperatures across the Caribbean islands have been observed, aiding in mosquito breeding and lengthening the transmission season.

Approximately 4 billion people in 130 countries are at risk of dengue infection, making it a growing public health concern. Health experts recommend simple tactics such as removing stagnant water, applying bug spray, and wearing protective clothing to combat mosquitoes and prevent dengue transmission.

As cases continue to rise and the threat of dengue fever looms large, Puerto Rico and other affected regions are ramping up efforts to control the spread of the disease and protect the health of their populations.