by Dr. Joseph Mercola, Mercola:
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Dengue fever cases are surging globally, with 9.85 million suspected cases in the Americas from January to June 2024. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns of potential outbreaks in several states, particularly Florida
- Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and has four virus types. Symptoms include high fever, severe pain and rash. Secondary infections with a different strain can be more severe
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- There’s no specific treatment for dengue. Mild cases are managed with rest and hydration. Platelet transfusions for severe cases are controversial and potentially harmful
- Natural remedies like papaya leaf extract, elderberry, and garlic may help recovery. Nutrients such as vitamins C, D and E, and zinc can also be beneficial for dengue patients
- Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites through protective clothing, natural repellents and eliminating standing water. A nutritious diet and sun exposure for vitamin D can support overall health
Cases of dengue fever, also known as “break-bone” fever1 due to extreme joint pain being one of its hallmark symptoms, are soaring worldwide, with many countries reporting higher than usual numbers. While a majority of the cases are seen in tropical and subtropical areas like South Asia, Africa and South America,2 U.S. health officials have recently sounded the alarm about a rise of cases in several states.
In June 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert regarding the increasing dengue incidents in the Americas.
As of the latest epidemiological update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO),3 a record-breaking 9,852,482 suspected dengue cases were recorded from January to June 2024 — that’s twice as many as the reported cases (4.6 million) in 2023.4 “This represents an increase of 231% compared to the same period in 2023 and 420% compared to the average of the last five years,” PAHO reports.5
Two Florida Counties Record Increasing Dengue Cases
With its humid, subtropical weather all year round — the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes — Florida is one of the states being closely monitored for a potential dengue outbreak. According to the CDC, 197 dengue fever cases have been reported in the state. While the majority are travel-related (meaning infected locals have recently visited other areas where dengue is endemic), there are also reports of locally transmitted cases.6
One of the most recent locally acquired cases was in Hillsborough County, reported by the Florida Department of Health on June 24.7 Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County has reported six locally acquired cases this year.8 Although significantly lower than last year’s numbers — Miami-Dade had 173 locally acquired cases in 2023 — it’s still a cause for concern.
Other states like Hawaii, Texas, California and Arizona have also previously reported small local outbreaks of dengue fever9 according to the CDC, cautioning residents to be particularly vigilant.
“Dengue remains less common in the continental United States, but in the 50 states so far this year there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year. Most were infections that travelers got abroad, and officials note there is no evidence of a current outbreak. But they also warn that local mosquitoes pose a threat,” CBS News reports.10
Basic Facts About Dengue Fever
The dengue virus is a single positive-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted to humans by the Aedes mosquito species, particularly Aedes albopictus, Aedes polynesiensis and Aedes scutellaris.11 These small, black mosquitoes can be identified by the white stripes on their back and legs; the females lay their eggs in standing water. According to the Washington Post:12
“A single bottle cap filled with rainwater can hold more than 100 [mosquito] eggs, said Sadie Ryan, a medical geographer at the University of Florida who specializes in insect-borne diseases.
‘They’re tenacious, they’re pernicious,’ Ryan said. ‘Really, they’re just good at being everywhere.’ They behave like tiny vampires at a human buffet, flitting from person to person, potentially spreading disease with each bite.”
The Aedes mosquito can spread four types of dengue viruses, namely DENV-1, -2, -3 and -4, which are distinct but closely related. The CDC notes that about 1 in 4 people who become infected with the virus will get sick with dengue fever; the majority remain asymptomatic. When symptomatic, dengue fever could be either mild or severe.13
Dengue’s incubation period — from the time between exposure to when the symptoms start to manifest — is typically between four and seven days, although in some cases it can take as long as 14 days.14 Symptoms include:
| A high fever around 104 degrees F or (40 degrees C) | Severe headache |
| Pain behind the eyes | Joint and muscle pain |
| Nausea and vomiting | Swollen glands |
| Rash |
Children with dengue fever may also experience common cold and gastroenteritis-like symptoms.15 In rare instances — about 1 in 20 patients — dengue fever can develop into a severe illness. Signs of severe dengue usually appear one to two days after the fever has subsided, and if not treated, may lead to shock, internal bleeding or even death.16
If you have been diagnosed with dengue fever and experience the symptoms below, it’s crucial to seek immediate treatment right away:17,18
