Puerto Rico is currently facing a significant increase in cases of dengue fever, prompting Health Secretary Carlos Mellado to declare a public health emergency in an effort to combat the outbreak. The declaration will last for 90 days and can be extended as needed. This move comes in response to a noticeable rise in dengue fever cases on the island, with 549 cases reported since the beginning of the year, primarily in San Juan. Although the majority of cases have resulted in hospitalization, no fatalities have been reported yet.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is common in hot, humid climates like Puerto Rico. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the most common being fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body pain. In severe cases, the disease can be life-threatening and may require hospitalization, as it can lead to shock, internal bleeding, and death. People who have previously had dengue fever are more likely to experience severe symptoms, and it is possible to be infected with the disease multiple times throughout one’s life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working with the Puerto Rico Health Department and other local agencies to implement a dengue fever prevention and control plan. This includes cleaning up areas with stagnant water that serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes, as well as encouraging the public to use mosquito repellents and install wire mesh panels to keep mosquitoes out of their homes. Mellado emphasized the need for all sectors of Puerto Rican society to collaborate in preventing the spread of this virus and protecting public health.
Puerto Rico has joined other Latin American countries, such as Brazil and Peru, in facing a state of emergency due to dengue fever outbreaks. The island previously declared a dengue epidemic in 2012, during which at least 199 people died from the disease. With the current increase in cases surpassing historical figures, Mellado’s public health emergency declaration aims to ensure that Puerto Rico has the resources necessary to address the outbreak effectively and prevent further spread of the virus.
While most dengue fever patients recover within a week, the disease’s severe cases can have serious consequences, especially for those who have had it before. Since dengue fever can be caused by various virus types, a person can contract the disease up to four times in their lifetime. It is crucial for individuals to take preventive measures, such as using mosquito repellents and eliminating breeding sites, to reduce their risk of infection and help control the spread of dengue fever. The current situation in Puerto Rico underscores the importance of public health efforts and collaboration in addressing mosquito-borne diseases.
