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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about an increased risk of dengue virus infections in New Jersey. So far this year, nearly 200 cases have been reported in the state. The virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, is seeing a global surge, with the highest number of cases on record for this calendar year.
"Global incidence of dengue in 2024 has been the highest on record for this calendar year; many countries are reporting higher-than-usual dengue case numbers," the CDC stated in a health advisory.
In addition to New Jersey, cases have also been confirmed in Puerto Rico, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. Symptoms of the dengue virus include fever, aches, nausea, vomiting, and rash.
The CDC is urging healthcare providers to recognize, diagnose, manage, and report dengue cases to public health authorities. The public is advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially in warm climates where the virus-carrying mosquitoes thrive.