Climate change is broadening the range of mosquitoes that transmit the disease, enabling their migration to more northern regions.
Latin America is currently facing its most severe dengue fever outbreak on record. The number of cases in the first 4 ½ months of 2024 has surged by 238% compared to the same period last year, which itself concluded with a record 4.1 million cases, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Cases have exceeded the five-year average by over 400%.
Unusually wet and warm summer conditions, attributed to the El Niño weather pattern, have provided ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry dengue, resulting in higher virus transmission rates. Experts caution that this trend could foreshadow the future of dengue fever, as climate change continues to create favorable conditions for mosquito-borne diseases.
Florida has reported 176 cases of dengue fever this year, with the majority originating from individuals infected in other countries, notably Brazil or Cuba. The Florida Health Department has registered only seven cases of locally acquired dengue transmission within the state thus far in 2024. In the entirety of 2023, the department documented 173 cases of locally transmitted dengue, primarily concentrated in Miami-Dade County.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Dengue fever, caused by four viruses, presents symptoms such as fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rash, and severe body aches. While most recover within a week or two, about 1 in 20 develop severe dengue, which can be fatal. The risk of complications increases with each infection, making dengue deadlier over time. Currently, there’s a vaccine available for children aged 9 to 16 in endemic areas, but it’s ineffective for most Americans. Treatment focuses on symptom relief, rest, and hydration. It’s crucial for travelers to dengue-prone regions to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in air-conditioned areas. At home, eliminating standing water can help reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Multiple strategies are necessary to combat the mosquito population effectively.