My local news had a story about Dengue Fever on the rise in regions where it isn’t common. So something new to think about for those of us who mosquitoes find delicious? I really believe that if there is a mosquito within a square mile of me, it will bite me! So how worried do we need to be?
Dengue is on the rise – the theory being that rising temperatures are responsible for the spread. So far this year, Puerto Rico has had nearly 1,500 cases (out of a population of around 3.2 million people) with an additional 700-ish cases in all other US states/territories. Last year for the full year, the US had a reported 3,036 cases. So halfway through the year, we’re already over 70% of the cases of last year.
In Latin America, the incidence of Dengue is nearly double what it was a year ago. So Dengue is definitely on the rise, but what is it? And can it be treated?
This from NBC News:
The most common symptom among those who contract the mosquito-borne disease is fever. Other symptoms include serious headaches, nausea, vomiting, rash and body pain.
Symptoms can be mild or severe. Most dengue fever patients recover in a week, but in severe cases the disease can be life-threatening and require hospitalization since it can result in shock, internal bleeding and even death.
Those who have had dengue in the past are more likely to develop severe symptoms. A person can get sick with dengue fever up to four times in their lifetime — once for each type of virus that can cause the disease, according to the CDC.
Outbreaks have been reported in Florida, Texas and Hawaii in addition to Puerto Rico – so if you’re headed to those states, be mindful of using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves/long pants or staying inside to avoid mosquito bites.
And as always, make sure you are mosquito aware and take care to drain standing water where mosquitos can breed!
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