(CNN Español) – The Puerto Rico Department of Health (DSPR) reported on Sunday that the number of positive cases of dengue confirmed on the island so far in 2024 is 4,798, a significant increase of more than triple compared to 2023, when they were recorded. 1,242.
In a press release, the DSPR detailed that “to date, nine deaths have been confirmed and one more is under investigation.”
“The Department of Health has implemented all the necessary tools to confront this situation. It is essential that communities commit to eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using repellent and protecting themselves from bites. Without citizen participation, it is impossible to contain this epidemic,” Dr. Carlos Mellado, Secretary of Health, said in the letter.
The Department of Health of Puerto Rico explained that mosquito repellents have been given to people at mass events and training has been carried out for professionals in the health field, in addition to updating the guide to order dengue diagnostic tests.
Among the municipalities with the highest incidence are San Juan, with 995 cases, followed by Carolina with 293 and Rincón, with 240. And the most affected age groups are people between 40 and 59 years old (936 cases); adolescents from 15 to 19 years old (737) and children from 10 to 14 years old (683), the statement says.
Last March, the department had issued a public health emergency declaration for dengue because reported cases were at historic numbers. At that time, 549 cases of dengue had been recorded.
Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne virus worldwide. More than 400 million people are infected each year. It is mainly spread by mosquitoes. Aedes aegyptiwhich also carries other viruses such as yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika.
The virus is endemic in more than 100 countries with tropical and subtropical climates, primarily in urban and semi-urban areas, according to the World Health Organization, and in the US territories of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa.
About 1 in 4 people infected with dengue develop symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches, usually muscle, joint, bone, or pain behind the eyes.
In the United States, a dengue vaccine is available for children ages 9 to 16 who have laboratory-confirmed evidence of prior dengue infection and who live in areas where dengue is endemic, including Puerto Rico. There is no dengue vaccine available for adults in the United States.
How effective are community awareness campaigns in educating the public about dengue prevention, and what challenges do they face?
1. Can you provide some background information about the ongoing dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico? How does this year’s outbreak compare to previous years?
2. What measures is the Department of Health of Puerto Rico taking to contain the outbreak?
3. How can individuals and communities play a role in preventing the spread of dengue and protecting themselves from mosquito bites?
4. What is the current state of dengue awareness among the public in Puerto Rico, and are there any challenges in educating people about the threat posed by this virus?
5. Are there any efforts underway to vaccinate the population against dengue, and if so, what are the limitations of existing vaccines?
6. How does the dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico affect the broader healthcare system on the island? Are hospitals and clinics well-equipped to handle an influx of patients with dengue symptoms?
7. What are some of the long-term consequences of a prolonged dengue outbreak, both for individuals and for the economy of Puerto Rico?
8. Is there any concern that the high number of dengue cases this year could lead to a surge in other mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika or chikungunya? What steps are being taken to prevent this?
9. Can you provide any insight into why dengue cases have been increasing globally in recent years, and what might be done to address this trend?
10. What role do international cooperation and resources play in helping Puerto Rico combat dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases?
