Puerto Rico Health Secretary Carlos Mellado has declared a public health emergency in response to the alarming rise in dengue fever cases on the island. The declaration, set to last for 90 days and possibly renewed if necessary, aims to ensure that Puerto Rico has access to the necessary resources to combat the outbreak.

According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, the island started witnessing an increase in dengue fever cases toward the end of 2023. By the third week of January, reports showed that the number of cases had consistently surpassed the levels observed in 2023. So far this year, at least 549 cases of dengue fever have been reported, primarily in the capital city of San Juan.

Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported thus far, although about 62% of patients required hospitalization. Among the common symptoms of dengue fever, fever remains the most prevalent, alongside severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body pain. While most patients recover within a week, severe cases of the disease can be life-threatening and may necessitate hospitalization, with potential complications such as shock, internal bleeding, and even death.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease, can affect individuals multiple times in their lifetime, as there are different types of virus strains that can cause the disease. Those who have previously contracted dengue are more likely to develop severe symptoms.

Puerto Rico now joins other Latin American nations, including Brazil and Peru, in declaring a state of emergency to address the dengue fever outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been collaborating with the Puerto Rico Health Department and local agencies to implement the island's dengue fever prevention and control plan. This includes efforts to eliminate and clean up areas with stagnant water that serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes, as well as promoting the use of mosquito repellents and wire mesh panels to safeguard homes from mosquito incursions.

Secretary Mellado emphasized the importance of collective action in preventing further contagion and the spread of the virus. The previous dengue epidemic in Puerto Rico occurred in 2012, claiming the lives of at least 199 people. As authorities work tirelessly to combat the current outbreak and protect public health, the hope is that swift measures will contain the dengue fever surge and prevent further loss of life on the island.