Dengue Fever Outbreaks Ravage Puerto Rico: Health Department Declares Public Emergency Amidst Increasing Cases

This year, Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency due to the rapid spread of dengue, a mosquito-borne illness that has been affecting the Americas. Health officials in Puerto Rico have reported 549 cases of dengue in the U.S. territory, with nearly half of the cases concentrated in San Juan. Dengue, also known as “breakbone fever,” can cause symptoms such as headaches, soreness, fever, and rashes, and in severe cases, can lead to death.

Puerto Rico’s declaration of a public health emergency will not immediately affect travel to or from the island, which is a popular holiday destination. However, it will allow the health department to access funding more easily for detection and prevention efforts. Dengue outbreaks have been reported across various countries in the Americas this year, including Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Peru. In the United States, parts of Florida were on alert last year for mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue.

Health Secretary Carlos Mellado stated that this year’s cases of dengue have exceeded historical records. He emphasized that detection and prevention efforts are crucial to controlling the spread of dengue and protecting public health. The health department will focus on educating the public about how to prevent mosquito bites and identifying potential outbreak areas through surveillance programs.