U.S. Health Officials Issue Dengue Warning amid Global Outbreak

BREAKING: U.S. Health Officials Issue Warning on Dengue Virus as Cases Surge

In a startling development, U.S. health officials have issued a warning to doctors about the increasing cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus that has broken international records this year. While there is no evidence of a current outbreak in the U.S., experts are urging medical professionals to be vigilant and alert for any signs of the disease.

So far this year, there have been three times more dengue cases in the 50 states compared to the same period last year, with most infections attributed to travelers who picked up the virus abroad. While dengue remains less common in the continental United States, officials are concerned about the rising numbers and are closely monitoring the situation.

The World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared an epidemic in March, with nearly 1,500 locally acquired cases reported in the U.S. this year, the majority of them in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, highlighted the regions at risk in the U.S., including the Gulf Coast, Florida, Texas, and parts of southern California. She emphasized the importance of taking precautions, such as staying in air-conditioned or screened locations and using insect repellents to avoid mosquito bites.

Dengue virus, also known as “break-bone fever,” spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito and can range from mild symptoms to severe illness. Warning signs of severe dengue include belly pain, bleeding, and extreme fatigue, and it is crucial to seek medical help if these symptoms occur.

As dengue cases continue to rise globally, health officials are urging individuals to stay informed, take preventive measures, and seek medical attention if they suspect they have been infected. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.