CDC issues alert on increased risk of dengue infections in the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention June 25 issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory about an increased risk of dengue virus infections in the U.S. Reported dengue infections have been the highest on record this year, with many countries reporting above-average case numbers, CDC said. Countries in the Americas as of June 24 have already reported more than 9.7 million cases, twice as many in all of 2023, which was 4.6 million.

The CDC recommends health care providers take steps for treatment and reporting, including: increased suspicion of dengue among people with fever who have been in areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission within 14 days before illness onset; order appropriate diagnostic tests for dengue infection; ensure timely reporting of dengue cases to public health authorities; and promote mosquito bite prevention measures among individuals living in or visiting areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission.