Dengue cases are set to rise in the US as climate change intensifies

Emerging evidence suggests that climate change is contributing to the growing prevalence of dengue in the US. In recent years, cases have been reported in states like California, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and Arizona where people contracted dengue within the US rather than overseas. In June 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning stating that Americans were facing a higher-than-usual risk of dengue infection that summer due to rising global cases. Global warming could cause dengue to spread to populations living in temperate regions of North America and Europe.

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Recognizing the symptoms -

While being infected with Dengue does not always cause people to get sick, it is nonetheless a good idea to be able to recognize the symptoms.

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Travelling to a Dengue country -

This is particularly true if you plan to travel to a country where the number of Dengue cases is on the rise.

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Time for symptoms to appear -

If you do have Dengue symptoms, they will normally develop in the four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

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Flu-like symptoms -

Dengue fever can feel like flu, and the symptoms are similar. They include a high temperature, a severe headache, and pain behind the eyes.

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Further symptoms -

Further symptoms include muscle and joint pain, feeling or being sick, swollen glands, and a rash that consists of flat or slightly raised spots.

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When to seek medical attention -

In general, people who develop Dengue symptoms feel better after about a week. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you have recently traveled to a country with Dengue and you have symptoms.

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Severe Dengue -

This is important, because some people develop a more severe type of Dengue a few days after they start to feel unwell. This is rare, but not unheard of.

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Risk groups -

If you have had Dengue before, you are more likely to develop severe Dengue. It is also more common in pregnant women and infants.

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Developing severe Dengue -

People who develop severe Dengue may start to feel better and see their temperature return to normal, only to develop even more serious symptoms 24-48 hours later.

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Symptoms -

Symptoms of severe Dengue include severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, fast breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, and bloody vomit or stool.

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Hospital treatment required -

Severe Dengue can become very serious if not treated properly in a hospital. It is therefore important to stay vigilant and seek medical attention when required.

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Treatment -

There is no specific treatment for Dengue, but you can help ease your symptoms by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol.

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No ibuprofen or aspirin -

It is important, however, that you do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These can cause bleeding problems in people with Dengue.

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Risk groups -

There are certain groups of people who are at higher risk of becoming unwell with Dengue. These are groups of people who are very young, over 65, pregnant, or who have a weakened immune system.

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Avoid travel -

If you belong to one of these groups, it is advisable to avoid traveling to countries where this infection is found.

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Avoiding mosquito bites -

For people who do travel to countries where Dengue is found, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.

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Proper clothing -

It is a good idea to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants to cover your arms and legs, particularly during the early morning and evening, when more mosquitoes are around.

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Insect repellent - You might also use an insect repellent on your skin, preferably one that contains the ingredient DEET, and you should try to close windows and blinds wherever possible.

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Mosquito net -

Finally, it is a good idea to sleep under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide, including when you are sleeping during the day.

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In conclusion -

Dengue fever can be nasty, and cases are on the rise. While it is rare to become very sick from this infection, it is worth remaining vigilant and being aware of the symptoms.

Sources: (NHS) (CDC)

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Mosquito-borne virus -

Dengue fever, otherwise known as Dengue, is an infection spread by mosquitoes. It does not always cause serious illness though; in fact, only one in four people infected get sick.

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Where it is found -

Dengue is common in certain parts of the world, including parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and certain southern areas of Northern America.

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Where it is found -

It is also possible to catch Dengue in certain parts of Southern Europe at certain times of the year (from spring to November).

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Where it is found -

Countries in Europe where Dengue has been found include Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, mainland Portugal, and Madeira (Portugal).

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Dengue cases are set to rise in the US as climate change intensifies

Global warming is driving a surge in dengue cases, which could increase by 60% by 2050

19/12/24 | StarsInsider

HEALTH Illness

Dengue fever has resurfaced as a major health concern, with cases increasing in several countries. Puerto Rico, in particular, has been heavily impacted, officially declaring its first Dengue epidemic since 2012 in March 2024.

A new study has identified a specific temperature range where mosquitoes can most effectively transmit the dengue virus. When temperatures drop below 59°F (15°C), the virus inside mosquitoes reproduces too slowly for efficient transmission. However, as temperatures rise, the viral load in mosquitoes increases, resulting in higher infection rates, peaking at approximately 84.2°F (29°C). Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming could significantly help in preventing dengue from becoming a global epidemic.

Temperatures in the US are becoming more favorable for the local transmission of dengue, while imported cases continue to rise. In countries like Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, and Brazil, where dengue is already endemic, researchers predict that temperatures in the coming decades could increase infections by more than 150%.

Curious to know more? Explore this gallery to understand the increasing danger of Dengue.