Puerto Rico Declares Public Well being Emergency as Dengue Circumstances Rise

Puerto Rico declared a public well being emergency over dengue, a mosquito-borne sickness that has surged all through the Americas this yr.

Learn Extra: Dengue Fever Is Hovering Worldwide. Right here’s What to Know—and Learn how to Keep Protected

Well being officers in Puerto Rico have recognized 549 instances of dengue throughout the U.S. territory of three.2 million folks, with virtually half the instances concentrated within the capital of San Juan. Also referred to as “breakbone fever,” dengue may cause complications, soreness, fever and rashes—and, in excessive instances, loss of life.

“This yr, instances of dengue have surpassed historic information,” Well being Secretary Carlos Mellado stated in an announcement. 

The emergency declaration has no instant affect on journey to or from Puerto Rico, a well-liked vacation vacation spot, however it’s going to make it simpler for the well being division to entry funding for detection and prevention, Mellado stated.

There have been main outbreaks of dengue this yr throughout giant swathes of the Americas, together with Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Peru. Final yr, components of Florida have been put underneath a mosquito-borne sickness alert resulting from dengue.