Protecting Yourself and Your Community from Dengue Fever

By Dr. Rashid Chotani, Chief Medical Director, IEM Health

As we reach the mid-point of 2024, the Americas have already seen an alarming surge in dengue cases, doubling the numbers from 2023 with over 10.5 million reported infections so far[1].

Here are the stats. Out of the 10,576,561 cases reported, 500,939 (52%) cases were confirmed by laboratory, and 12,497 (0.1%) cases were classified as severe dengue. A total of 5,618 deaths have been registered, with a Crude Fatality Rate (CFR) of 0.053%. The number of cases reported (10,576,561) represents an increase of 233% compared to the same period in 2023 and 420% compared to the average of the last five years.[2]

The mosquito responsible for dengue can be found in several states, including Florida, Texas, and California.

In Puerto Rico[3], residents have been under a public health emergency since last month because of growing number of dengue cases (~1,500). In fact, the island has reported more cases in the first five months of 2024 than all of 2023.

Climate change, creating scorching droughts followed by intense rainfall, urbanization, and migration have become a norm. Dengue will continue to spread at a higher rate than ever before; it is essential that we prepare now.

As the incidence of dengue fever rises individuals must take proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities. Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, can cause severe flu-like symptoms and, in extreme cases, can be life-threatening.

Here are essential steps everyone should follow to minimize the risk of infection:

1. Eliminate Breeding Grounds
Mosquitoes that transmit dengue breed in standing water. Regularly check and empty items such as flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters. Ensure water containers are covered or treated with mosquito dunks.

2. Use Mosquito Repellents
Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and clothing. Choose products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for safety and effectiveness.

3. Wear Protective Clothing
When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to reduce skin exposure to mosquitoes. Light-colored clothing is preferable as it is less attractive to mosquitoes.

4. Safeguard Your Living Spaces
Install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Use mosquito nets over beds, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

5. Stay Informed and Seek Medical Advice
Keep updated with local health advisories regarding dengue fever. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, or mild bleeding, seek medical attention promptly.

6. Community Action
Work with your community to organize clean-up campaigns to remove potential mosquito breeding sites. Awareness and collective action can significantly reduce the risk of dengue fever transmission. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and help curb the spread of dengue fever. Stay vigilant, informed, and proactive. Your health and the health of your community depend on it.

For more information on how to prevent Dengue, we encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control’s website: www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention/index.html.

[1] Pan American Health Organization
[2] Pan American Health Organization, https://www.paho.org/en/documents/situation-report-no-26-dengue-epidemiological-situation-region-americas-epidemiological
[3] American Medical Association