Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness that has surged throughout the Americas this year, has led Puerto Rico to declare a public health emergency. Health officials in Puerto Rico have identified 549 cases of dengue across the U.S. territory of 3.2 million people, with almost half the cases concentrated in the capital of San Juan. This year, cases of dengue have surpassed historical records, according to Health Secretary Carlos Mellado.
The emergency declaration has no immediate impact on travel to or from Puerto Rico, a popular holiday destination. However, it will make it easier for the health department to access funding for detection and prevention. There have been major outbreaks of dengue this year across large swathes of the Americas, including Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Peru. Last year, parts of Florida were put under a mosquito-borne illness alert due to dengue.
Dengue is also known as “breakbone fever” and can cause headaches, soreness, fever, and rashes—and, in extreme cases, death. The health department is working closely with other agencies to monitor the situation and prevent further spread of the disease. It is important for travelers to take precautions when visiting areas where dengue is present by using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets.
