Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic because the variety of dengue fever instances continues to skyrocket within the U.S. territory.
In keeping with Puerto Rico’s Division of Well being, at the very least 549 instances have been reported thus far and greater than 340 individuals have been hospitalized.
“As of March 21, 2024, the Department of Health’s epidemiological surveillance of diseases has observed a 140% increase in dengue cases for Puerto Rico compared to the same period last year,” the division mentioned in a translated launch.
In a submit on X, Puerto Rico Well being Secretary Carlos Mellado López mentioned he has been monitoring the rise of dengue cases.
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Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic after a spike in dengue instances, a mosquito-borne virus that’s been on the rise within the Western Hemisphere. (iStock)
“The increase in dengue cases requires that all components of society join forces in order to prevent the contagion and spread of this virus, which is why we call for prevention” Mellado López wrote within the translated submit.
On Feb. 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Stage 1 journey warning to American vacationers as they take journeys exterior of the nation.
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The division famous that the next nations have reported an elevated variety of dengue instances:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- French Guiana
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Martin
- Turks and Caicos Islands
The CDC mentioned that since dengue is unfold by mosquito bites, all vacationers to danger areas ought to stop mosquito bites by utilizing an EPA-registered insect repellent, carrying long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants when outdoor, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens or beneath an insecticide-treated mattress internet.
A employee fumigates a home towards the Aedes aegypti mosquito to forestall the unfold of dengue fever in a neighborhood in Piura, northern Peru, on June 11, 2023. (ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP through Getty Photos)
The virus could cause crushing complications, fever, vomiting, a rash and different signs.
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Whereas most contaminated individuals don’t get signs, extreme instances can lead to plasma leakage and demise.
