Puerto Rico’s health department recently declared an epidemic due to a spike in dengue fever cases across the island. As of March 2023, at least 1293 cases have been reported – a significant increase from previous years. Keep reading to learn all about this outbreak, how dengue fever is spread, plus prevention tips and what it means for travelers.
Understanding Puerto Rico’s Dengue Outbreak
- Over 1293 suspected and confirmed cases reported as of March 2022
- 350% higher case count compared to 5-year historical average
- Almost half of cases occurring in capital San Juan area
- Likely fueled by climate factors like increased rains leading to more mosquito breeding
- Financial resources deployed to control outbreak, educate public
Dengue is an endemic disease in Puerto Rico, flaring up in epidemics every few years. However, health officials say the current spike is one of the most severe in over a decade. Cases are spread across the island, but are particularly concentrated around the highly populated capital.
Reasons for the intensity of this epidemic outbreak likely include:
- Recent period of higher rainfall providing more mosquito breeding habitats
- Insufficient garbage collection/waste removal in certain areas
- Pandemic cutbacks hindering previous vector control efforts
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever (also called “breakbone fever”) comes from the bite of infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It causes symptoms like:
- High fever (up to 104° F)
- Blinding headaches
- Intense joint and muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swollen glands, rash
There are 4 distinct dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 thru DENV-4). Infection with one type grants future immunity only to that specific serotype. Subsequent infections raise risk for severe organ impairment or hemorrhage.
Without proper treatment, dengue mortality rates can exceed 20%.
How to Prevent Dengue During an Outbreak
With 5,000+ cases in Puerto Rico so far, precautions are necessary:
- Use EPA-registered repellent when outdoors – formulas with ingredients like DEET, picaridin and IR3535 provide longest protection
- Wear light long-sleeved tops/pants during daytime when mosquitoes most active
- Get rid of or regularly empty any outdoor water containers to eliminate breeding habitats
- Use window screens in homes without air conditioning to keep mosquitoes out
- Drink lemon water with papaya leaves & salt – suggested natural antiviral remedy
Early treatment improves prognosis. Seek medical care if you show symptoms within days of potential exposure.
Impacts to Puerto Rico Tourism & Travel
The CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory alerting visitors of increased risk. However, they say outbreaks happen annually and should not impact travel plans with proper precautions. Still good odds exists for an enjoyable, healthy trip.
Locals naturally more vulnerable having constant exposure living in impacted communities. Foreign tourists visiting briefly may face lower personal infection dangers.
Hotels and resorts taking measures like spraying, draining standing water, and providing repellent. Most tourist sites and attractions remain fully open. But make prevention a priority!
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Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Future Outbreaks
Controlling dengue in Puerto Rico brings major challenges:
- No vaccine currently approved for DENV-2 and DENV-3 viruses predominant here
- Mosquitoes breed easily in tropical environment
- Limited resources for sustained prevention efforts
But policy changes implemented following each epidemic bring hope:
- Improved garbage collection reducing breeding habitats
- Research funding for specialized approaches like genetically modified mosquitoes
- Strengthened community education on prevention
Consistent, creative vector control efforts needed to protect island residents and visitors alike.
By understanding the current dengue fever epidemic in Puerto Rico, practicing prevention, supporting policy improvements, and still enjoying all the island safely offers, we can conquer this disease for the long term.