Source: Express Healthcare Management

Excerpt:

Over 3 million cases of dengue fever have been reported in the Americas this year, with more than 882 cases in the United States alone. This surge in dengue infections is the second highest annual rate in the region since 1980. Experts attribute this increase to the rise in temperatures and extreme weather caused by climate change, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which transmit the virus.

This rise in dengue cases serves as a warning sign of what may come as climate patterns continue to shift and rainfall and temperature patterns change. These changes, in conjunction with urbanization, are expected to contribute to a further increase in the spread of dengue in the future.

The United States has seen a significant increase in locally acquired dengue cases, particularly in California, Florida, Texas, and New York. From 2021 to 2022, the number of cases in the U.S. rose from 814 to 2,261. Infectious disease experts emphasize the need for increased tracking and protection against dengue, as the growing number of cases indicates a serious public health concern.

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes. The symptoms of dengue range from mild to severe and can include headache, high fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. While most cases of dengue are mild, severe cases can be life-threatening.

Read more: Climate Change and Urbanization Fuel Rise in Dengue Cases in the Americas