The World Health Organization expressed concern that cases of dengue fever may reach record levels this year due to the impact of global warming on mosquito populations. According to Reuters, reported cases of dengue have increased eight-fold since 2000, with 4.2 million cases in 2022 alone. Europe has seen a surge in cases, and Peru has even declared a state of emergency. Unfortunately for international travelers in the US, a dengue vaccine is not yet available. Japanese drug-maker Takeda voluntarily withdrew its application for a dengue vaccine after the FDA requested additional data that the current trial could not provide.
Climate change is also increasing the risk of mosquito-borne viral diseases like dengue in Europe, according to European Union officials. Takeda’s dengue vaccine is already approved in several regions, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, and Thailand. However, the US only has one FDA-approved dengue vaccine, which is indicated for children and teenagers aged 6 to 16 in endemic areas, mainly Puerto Rico.
Dengue fever is listed as one of the top 10 threats to global health by the World Health Organization. Approximately 4 billion people, or half the world’s population, live in areas at risk for dengue fever, with 400 million new infections reported each year. The disease is thriving due to factors such as increased rainfall and warmer temperatures. Urban areas that were previously unaffected by dengue are now facing outbreaks, such as in Lima, Peru. It’s estimated that one in four people with dengue fever becomes sick, and around 40,000 die from severe disease annually, according to the CDC.
While most dengue cases in the US are contracted during international travel, the disease can also spread locally in hot and humid states like Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Arizona. From January to June 1 of this year, there were 129 reported cases in the US and 256 reported cases in Puerto Rico. Dengue fever is caused by four different viruses and is primarily spread through mosquito bites. People can be infected multiple times, increasing the risk of severe dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue has three phases: the fever phase, the critical phase, and the recovery phase. The fever phase is characterized by joint pain and headaches, but most patients recover without complications. In a small proportion of patients, a critical phase develops where fluid leaks out of the circulation, leading to decreased blood pressure and potentially severe bleeding. Warning signs of severe disease include abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fluid accumulation, bleeding, and lethargy. A total body rash often develops during the critical or early recovery phase. Most cases of dengue have an uncomplicated course, but 2% can experience severe dengue. It is important to closely monitor any warning signs and seek medical attention if necessary.
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