All articles tagged with #dengue
With millions traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, health experts warn that large crowds and international travel could spread illnesses such as measles, dengue, COVID-19, and other infections, prompting heightened public-health vigilance.
Google seeks EPA approval to release up to 64 million Wolbachia-infected sterile male Aedes aegypti in California and Florida over two years to reduce disease-carrying mosquito populations. The effort would involve advanced sex-sorting tech, monitoring tools, and strategic releases, building on earlier trials that showed substantial drops in female mosquitoes, though cost and expansion hurdles remain as California faces ongoing dengue risk.
A Daily Kos Infectious Information update flags multiple concurrent outbreaks: Ebola outbreaks intensified by regional conflict, rising dengue cases worldwide, a new hantavirus case in Spain bringing totals to 13, and concerns about malaria reintroduction in the US, alongside avian flu affecting farms and wildlife. The report also notes dog leptospirosis, FDA discussions on pediatric Covid vaccine safety and myocarditis trends, and rising antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, while the Daily Kos community appeals for reader support amid financial pressures.
With Cayman’s rainy season underway, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit is intensifying efforts, conducting island-wide daytime aerial larviciding to kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults, alongside surveillance and biological controls. Scientists identify 36 species on the islands, notably Aedes aegypti, which spreads dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Mosquito bites are more likely in people with higher body heat and carbon dioxide output, skin bacteria, or sweat chemistry, and ankles, wrists, and neck are common bite sites. Residents are urged to remove standing water and support integrated pest management, including Gambusia fish, to curb emergences.
CDC data show US dengue cases surged 359% in 2024 to 3,798, mostly travel-related but with over 100 locally acquired cases in Florida, California and Texas—including 108 severe dengue and six deaths—signaling rising risk of local transmission as Aedes mosquitoes spread and climate change intensifies the threat.
CDC data show a record 3,798 dengue cases in the United States and DC in 2024, up 359% from the 2010–2023 average, with travel-associated cases (97.2%) far exceeding locally acquired ones (2.8%). The Caribbean, Mexico, and Cuba were major exposure regions; Florida, California, and Texas reported local transmission in multiple counties. The median patient age was 49; 57.5% identified as Hispanic/Latino, and 36.1% were hospitalized, with six deaths (0.2%). DENV-3 was the most common serotype among those tested. The findings call for stronger prevention, vector control, and traveler-focused messaging, while vaccines are not yet available for short-term travelers; protective measures include EPA-approved repellents, protective clothing, screens, and reducing standing water.
The CDC issued a travel alert about a higher-than-expected number of dengue fever cases among U.S. travelers returning from countries including Vietnam, Cuba and Colombia. Dengue (breakbone fever) can range from mild illness to severe, potentially fatal bleeding, and travelers should seek medical care if symptoms develop. As of this year, 496 U.S. cases have been reported, and local dengue transmission exists in American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The CDC updated a Level 1 travel advisory to warn travelers about dengue in 16 countries, urging precautions like long sleeves, insect repellent and sleeping in screened rooms; dengue can rapidly worsen and cause severe symptoms such as brain bleeding, and there is no vaccine for travelers; most US cases come from international travel, with outbreaks recurring every few years.
Los Angeles County’s vector-control district is expanding the sterile insect technique to curb Aedes aegypti mosquitoes linked to dengue, releasing sterilized males and seeking to broaden the program beyond Sunland-Tujunga. The expansion hinges on a new funding mechanism—a up to $20 per year per single-family home via a property benefit assessment on top of the existing $18.97—despite only 47% of ballots supporting the increase and opposition from some business owners. Pilot releases in two Sunland-Tujunga neighborhoods cut the female mosquito population by about 82%, but officials say broader adoption requires more funds and public buy-in; a second ballot round is planned while production continues in the insectary and field releases.
A Daily Kos Infectious Information update says the measles elimination status review has been moved to November amid outbreaks from unvaccinated travelers, with exposure alerts in Colorado and Sacramento and a Utah surge; Covid and long Covid persist; a dengue vaccine shows strong Phase 3 results; avian flu and a moderately severe influenza season continue; the FDA plans a real-time adverse-event dashboard (AEMS) to replace VAERS/FAERS/AERS, though credibility checks remain unclear. Other notes include rising aspergillosis and human metapneumovirus, concerns over RNA vaccine funding, misinformation impacts, Tylenol use in pregnancy decline, and a WHO warning about health consequences of the Iran war.
A citywide randomized trial in Singapore found releasing Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes drastically reduced dengue transmission by about 71% and lowered local mosquito counts, providing robust evidence that IIT-SIT can control dengue.
An outbreak of mosquito-borne viruses, mainly chikungunya and dengue, has caused dozens of deaths in Cuba, prompting health warnings and travel advisories. The outbreak is linked to poor hygiene and water storage issues, with climate change potentially expanding mosquito habitats. Authorities recommend precautions like insect repellent and vaccination, and are implementing mosquito control measures.
A promising antiviral drug called mosnodenvir has shown effectiveness in preventing dengue infection, but Johnson & Johnson has abandoned its development, leaving a critical gap in treatment options as dengue spreads globally due to climate change.
In Cuba, 33 people, including 21 children, have died from mosquito-borne chikungunya and dengue viruses since July, with the outbreak exacerbated by economic hardships and poor sanitation. The government reports most deaths from chikungunya, which causes severe joint pain and fever, while dengue has also claimed 12 lives. The outbreak has spread across all provinces, and health authorities have issued travel advisories for at-risk regions, including Cuba, urging precautions and vaccination.
Researchers warn that the mosquito species Aedes aegypti has become 50 to 100 times more common in transmitting diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya due to its evolution and global spread, driven by climate change and urbanization, posing increased health risks worldwide.