Dozens of individuals in Florida have been recognized with a mosquito borne-illness extra generally present in tropical nations.
The scary factor is: They caught it right here.
Nicknamed “breakbone fever” as a result of it causes agonizing ache within the joints and bones — making it really feel like bones are breaking, particularly within the legs and again — the virus has develop into extra widespread within the US in recent times.
Dengue is a viral an infection that’s attributable to bites from contaminated mosquitos. Whereas most people who find themselves contaminated by no means expertise any signs, some get fevers, complications, nausea, rashes, and naturally, the excruciating physique aches that gave it its horrifying nickname.
Nearly all of circumstances within the US come from current journey to at-risk areas world wide, together with the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. However the variety of these contaminated whereas on US soil is rising.
Throughout the 50 states, 893 dengue circumstances have been reported this yr. Of these 893, 40 circumstances had been acquired right here within the US — with 39 in Florida. One case was domestically acquired in Virginia.
The domestically acquired circumstances had been on Florida’s west coast in Citrus county, Pinellas county (residence to St. Petersburg) and Hillsborough county (residence to Tampa).
Why is dengue spreading within the US?
The illness is unfold by Aedes mosquitos, which additionally unfold illnesses like Zika and yellow fever.
These mosquitos are present in a lot of the southeastern and southwestern US — and are spreading resulting from rising temperatures. Researchers say that 75% of the nation is appropriate for these specific bloodsuckers.
That’s partly why there was an enormous spike in dengue in 2024, when US circumstances jumped 359% from the annual common over twenty years.
In Florida, California and Texas, infections had been documented in a number of counties, suggesting the virus was launched a number of instances somewhat than as a part of a single outbreak. There was additionally a 2024 outbreak in New Jersey, sickening dozens of individuals.
“Though these introductions didn’t result in bigger outbreaks within the continental United States, they point out an growing threat for domestically acquired circumstances, underscoring the necessity for enhanced surveillance, vector management, and public well being preparedness and response efforts in areas with competent mosquito vectors,” the CDC stated.
What to learn about dengue
One out of each 20 folks with dengue develop life-threatening signs. It might develop into severe in a matter of hours and embody bleeding, a sudden drop in blood strain and organ failure.
With out medical therapy, extreme dengue could be deadly in as much as 50% of circumstances.
There isn’t any therapy for the fever. Relaxation, consuming fluids to remain hydrated, and acetaminophen might help with muscle ache and fever. If it will get severe sufficient for hospitalization, medical professionals will administer IV fluids to keep away from dehydration.
One of the simplest ways to guard your self from dengue is to keep away from getting bitten fully — use insect repellent, put on loose-fitting lengthy sleeves and do away with mosquitos round your private home. Meaning managing standing water and holes that water can fill.
In the event you’re touring, keep away from mosquitos the identical approach and sleep beneath nets. Pack acetaminophen to handle fever and physique ache in case you catch it. Even whenever you return, keep away from getting bitten — a mosquito that bites you whereas contaminated can unfold dengue to others.
There’s a dengue vaccine, however is simply appropriate for individuals who have had it earlier than and live in an space the place dengue is widespread — not for vacationers. That’s as a result of the shot could make the illness worse when you catch it for the primary time after being vaccinated.
