According to recent reports, Georgia is witnessing an increase in mosquito-borne diseases, with health officials closely monitoring the spread of dengue fever. While various mosquito-borne illnesses have been reported in the state this year, it is the global alerts surrounding dengue fever that have raised concerns this summer.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed 14 cases of dengue fever in the state, but all of these cases were acquired through travel outside the United States. Similarly, the 20 cases of malaria and a single case of chikungunya reported this year are also related to international travel.

Recent alerts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have warned about the increased risk of dengue fever infections in the United States as global cases of this disease reach record numbers. Last week, a dengue fever alert was issued in the Florida Keys following two locally acquired cases. Health officials urge clinicians to be vigilant and identify symptoms while questioning patients about recent travel history, as dengue cases surge worldwide.

Although Georgia residents are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, experts emphasize that the local transmission of dengue fever in the state is highly unlikely. The primary mosquito species responsible for spreading dengue fever, Aedes aegypti, is rare in Georgia. West Nile virus poses a more significant risk to Georgians, with 81 infections reported in the state between 2018 and 2022.

Dengue fever is a prevalent mosquito-borne infection worldwide. However, in the United States, most cases are associated with travel to tropical and subtropical regions such as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and South America. Puerto Rico has accounted for nearly all the locally acquired cases of dengue fever in the US this year, totaling nearly 1,500 cases.

It is crucial to note that mosquito-borne diseases do not spread from person to person but are transmitted through infected mosquito bites. The primary mosquito responsible for dengue fever, Aedes aegypti, is rare in Georgia. However, the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is prevalent in Georgia, has shown the potential to transmit dengue fever in other regions.

Experts attribute the rise in dengue cases to factors such as high temperatures caused by the El Niño climate pattern and an increase in travel post-pandemic. Travelers to areas where dengue fever is prevalent should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and continue preventive measures upon returning home.

While dengue fever does not have a specific treatment or vaccines for adults or those without previous infections, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms. Only 25% of dengue cases display symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, including headaches, high fever, joint pain, and prolonged recovery periods. Severe cases can lead to organ failure, bleeding, and even death.

Elmer Gray, an entomologist with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, stressed the significance of preventive measures and emphasized that features commonly found in higher-income countries, such as air conditioning, window screens, and drainage systems, minimize mosquito breeding and exposure to diseases.

Although rare, malaria and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have also been recorded in Georgia. Efforts to combat mosquito populations should be ongoing, as weather conditions can quickly change.

To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, experts recommend wearing light-colored clothing, using EPA-approved insect repellents, eliminating standing water sources, maintaining trimmed grass and vegetation in yards, and avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

As mosquito-related diseases continue to pose a threat, remaining vigilant and implementing necessary precautions play a crucial role in ensuring public health and reducing the risk of transmission.