The resurgence of dengue fever outbreaks in areas where it previously did not exist is a cause for concern. This is because the reasons for this sudden increase in cases, along with the availability of effective treatment and vaccines, are still unclear.
In 2024, the global focus on dengue fever has intensified due to the high number of cases and related deaths reported. Health officials are working diligently to track the progress of this mosquito-transmitted disease, which has impacted millions of people worldwide. According to Dr. Raman Velayudhan, who addressed these questions during a recent WHO Science in 5 interview with Vismita Gupta-Smith, there are many countries that have become endemic with dengue.
While there is an FDA-approved dengue vaccine available in the US, its accessibility depends on pre-admission testing. This vaccine offers a crucial preventative measure against the spread of dengue fever and is an essential tool in controlling the disease. In some states like Florida and Puerto Rico, cases of locally acquired and travel-related dengue have been reported in 2024. The World Health Organization reports that dengue has become endemic in many countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
