The author, who has a background in medicine, was surprised when they tested positive for dengue, a mosquito-borne illness that is on the rise in Latin America and the Caribbean. A public health emergency was declared in Puerto Rico due to the surge in cases, which is expected to be the worst on record. Climate change, driven by El Niño-induced temperature spikes and extreme weather patterns, is contributing to the increase in dengue cases. Without urgent reforms in how we educate travelers, healthcare workers, and public health officials, the timely treatment of dengue cases may be missed, leading to potential spread of the virus to new areas.
Dengue virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes and infects up to 400 million people globally each year. While most cases are asymptomatic or mild, some progress to severe, life-threatening disease such as hemorrhagic fever. The risk of severe dengue is higher in individuals who have been infected with a different type of the virus in the past, making it a particularly dangerous infection to have multiple times. A vaccine exists, but it is only recommended for children who have had dengue before and live in high-risk areas due to the paradoxical risk of worsened illness in those who have never been infected before.
Dengue outbreaks tend to occur cyclically every three to five years in the Americas, but recent trends indicate an expansion in geographic reach as temperatures warm. In Brazil, which is currently facing a dengue emergency, mosquitoes are able to reproduce year-round due to milder winters. Latin America and the Caribbean have seen three times the number of cases this year compared to the same period in 2023, which was a record year. Higher temperatures are also speeding up the virus development inside mosquitoes, increasing the likelihood of transmission. Mosquitoes are thriving in standing water from extreme rains and floods associated with climate change.
The lack of preparedness among the traveling public, healthcare workers, and public health systems is a major concern in the fight against dengue. Urgent reforms are needed to improve education and early warning systems to ensure timely treatment and prevention of the spread of the virus. As temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events become more common, the dengue problem is only expected to worsen. Efforts to control mosquito populations and educate the public on prevention measures are crucial in combating the spread of dengue in regions heavily affected by the virus. Research into new treatments and vaccines is also essential in the fight against this global health threat.
