A public health emergency has been declared in Puerto Rico due to a surge of dengue, a mosquito-borne illness that has affected millions of people across the Americas this year. With over 549 cases identified across the US territory of 3.2 million people, almost half of which were concentrated in San Juan, dengue, also known as “breakbone fever,” can cause headaches, soreness, fever, and rashes—and in extreme cases, death.
Health Secretary Carlos Mellado stated that this year’s cases of dengue have surpassed historical records. However, there is no immediate impact on travel to or from Puerto Rico, a popular holiday destination. The emergency declaration will make it easier for the health department to access funding for detection and prevention.
Large swathes of South America have also been hit hard by major outbreaks of dengue this year, including Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Peru. Last year, parts of Florida were put under a mosquito-borne illness alert due to dengue.
