Protect Yourself from Dengue Fever

Lately, there’s been a lot of media coverage about dengue fever, a mosquito-transmitted virus. Every summer there’s an uptick in this virus, mostly in tropical areas, but this year is different. On any given year, dengue infects about 400 million people worldwide, of which 100 million become ill and 21,000 die. However, this year, there’s already been twice as many cases reported as last year -- and we’re only halfway through the year. Cases have increased by 238% when compared to this time last year and 400% higher than the five-year average, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

Dengue fever typically affects urban areas of tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The illness is most associated with Central and South America, Africa, parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Mosquito season spans between March and October, but summer tends to be particularly problematic for mosquito-borne illnesses because the hot, humid weather increases their metabolism, making them more active. It also accelerates their maturation, raising their population.

Some experts attribute the excessive rise in cases this summer to the 2023 – 2024 El Niño. This weather pattern raises air and sea temperatures across the east to central equatorial Pacific, resulting in global heat waves, droughts, flooding and other natural disasters. The hot, humid and wet conditions created by El Niño is the perfect environment for mosquito reproduction. In fact, many state mosquito control units throughout have found a higher number than average number of mosquitoes this year, raising the risk for dengue fever throughout the U.S.

There have been about 3,600 cases in the U.S. through August 2024. Some of these were contracted abroad, but others were contracted locally in the U.S.

“Dengue fever, along with other mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile Virus, Chijungunya and malaria are more problematic for Americans this year because we’re dealing with significantly more mosquitoes combined with international travel,” says Bernard Kaminetsky, MD, medical director, MDVIP. “I encourage everyone to understand these viruses and learn how to protect yourself from mosquitoes.”

A Deeper Dive into Dengue Fever

You cannot catch dengue fever from an infected person. It’s only transmissible via the bite of an Aedes (aegypti and albopictus) mosquito carrying one of the four dengue viruses. Aedes mosquitoes also spread Zika and chikungunya viruses and are common in and around human environments.  

If you become infected, you may not realize it, as many infections don’t cause symptoms. However, symptoms can begin appearing between 4 and 10 days after initial viral exposure and last between 3 and 7 days. Symptoms include:

• High fever (around 104 degrees)
• Rash
• Muscle and joint aches and pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Intense pain behind the eyes

In a small percentage of people, the virus damages blood vessels, causing them to leak blood. It also affects bone marrow, decreasing the production of platelets, small cell that can stop bleeding and form clots. This raises the risk for severe bleeding and is referred to as severe dengue fever (or dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome).

Severe dengue fever can be life threatening and often requires emergent medical attention. You’ll know if you have it if your fever breaks, you start feeling better and within 24 to 48 hours, begin experiencing symptoms such as:

• More intense nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding, e.g., nose bleeds, bleeding gums, under the skin (resembles bruising), internal (e.g., blood in vomit and urine)
• Extreme exhaustion, irritability and/or restlessness
• Breathing difficulties

If you get dengue fever, you’ll have long-term immunity from the specific virus that infected you. But you’re still susceptible to get sick from three remaining dengue viruses. Your risk for developing dengue fever increases if you’ve experienced multiple cases of it.  

Protecting Yourself from Dengue Fever

You can help lower your mosquito exposure by taking steps to control mosquitoes in your personal space and environment. For more information on mosquito control, visit the CDC »

“Your primary care physician also may have some suggestions for you,” says Kaminetsky.

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, consider joining an MDVIP-affiliated practice. They more have time to help you in your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. Find a physician near you and begin your partnership in health »