San Juan, Puerto Rico – A recent surge in dengue cases has hit Puerto Rico, with health officials in the U.S. territory declaring a public health emergency due to the unprecedented rise in cases. The outbreak of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, has affected a record 10 million people worldwide, with soaring global temperatures contributing to the spread of the virus. The increase in cases has overwhelmed hospitals in several countries, echoing the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico serves as a warning to the rest of the United States, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus in communities with fragile infrastructure and underfunded health systems. Climate change, driven by human activities, is a key factor in the increase in mosquito populations, particularly the Aedes aegypti species responsible for transmitting dengue.

As the temperature rises globally, dengue has become one of the most neglected tropical diseases, posing a significant challenge to public health systems. The virus, which comes in four different serotypes, presents unique challenges in terms of treatment and prevention. Despite efforts to develop vaccines, the only available option in the U.S., Dengvaxia, will no longer be produced after 2026.

Puerto Rico’s struggle with dengue underscores the importance of awareness and proactive measures in combating the disease. With cases on the rise, health officials are focusing on mosquito control efforts, including trapping and testing mosquitoes for the virus. Training clinicians to recognize the symptoms of severe dengue is crucial in improving patient outcomes and preventing further spread of the disease.

The dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on public health. As temperatures continue to rise, the risk of dengue transmission is expected to increase, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the growing threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases. Efforts to control mosquito populations and raise awareness about dengue remain critical in mitigating the impact of the disease on vulnerable populations.