NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Tuesday warned doctors to be alert for dengue cases as the tropical disease breaks international records.
The virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has been surging worldwide, helped by climate change. In barely six months, countries in the Americas have already for dengue cases. The World Health Organization in December, and Puerto Rico in March.
Dengue remains less common in the continental United States, but in the 50 states so far this year there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year. Most were infections that travelers got abroad, and officials note there is no evidence of a current outbreak. But they also warn that local mosquitos pose a threat.
In its health alert Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised doctors to know the symptoms, ask questions about where patients recently traveled and consider ordering dengue tests when appropriate. Dengue (pronounced DEHN’-gay) is caused by a virus spread by a type of warm weather mosquito that is expanding its geographic reach because of climate change, experts say. Many infected people don’t get sick, but some experience headache, fever and flu-like symptoms.
Severe cases can involve cause serious bleeding, shock and death. Repeated infections can be especially dangerous. There are four types of dengue virus, simply known as 1, 2, 3 and 4.
When someone is first infected, their body builds antibodies against that type for life. If t.
