The global incidence of dengue fever, also known as “break-bone” fever due to severe joint pain as a hallmark symptom, is on the rise, with many countries reporting higher than usual numbers. While the majority of cases are found in tropical and subtropical regions like South Asia, Africa, and South America, U.S. health officials have raised concerns about an increase in cases in several states.
In June 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert regarding the growing number of dengue cases in the Americas.
As per the latest update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a record-breaking 9,852,482 suspected dengue cases were reported from January to June 2024 — double the number of cases (4.6 million) reported in 2023. PAHO reports, “This represents a 231% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a 420% increase compared to the average of the last five years.”
Increasing Dengue Cases in Two Florida Counties
Florida, with its humid subtropical climate providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, is closely monitored for a potential dengue outbreak. The CDC has reported 197 dengue fever cases in the state, with a mix of travel-related and locally transmitted cases.
One of the recent locally acquired cases was reported in Hillsborough County by the Florida Department of Health on June 24. Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County has reported six locally acquired cases this year. Although lower than last year’s numbers, it remains a cause for concern.
Other states like Hawaii, Texas, California, and Arizona have also reported small local outbreaks of dengue fever, prompting caution from the CDC for residents to remain vigilant.
“Dengue remains less common in the continental United States, but there have been three times more cases this year than at the same point last year. Most cases were acquired by travelers abroad, with no evidence of a current outbreak. However, local mosquitoes pose a threat,” reports CBS News.
Key Facts About Dengue Fever
The dengue virus is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquito species. The Aedes mosquito can spread four types of dengue viruses, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
The incubation period for dengue fever is typically between four and seven days, with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, rash, and more. Severe cases can lead to shock, internal bleeding, or death.
If diagnosed with dengue fever and experiencing severe symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, or rapid breathing, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Puerto Rico Faces Dengue Epidemic
Secondary dengue infections, especially in regions with little immunity to certain strains, pose a significant risk. Puerto Rico declared a dengue epidemic in March 2024, with a sharp increase in cases and hospitalizations, including fatalities.
Worldwide, dengue cases have been on the rise in the last five years, with active transmission in 90 countries, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
No Specific Treatment for Dengue
While dengue fever is usually not fatal, managing symptoms and staying hydrated are essential for recovery.
Treatment options for dengue are limited, with mild cases typically managed at home using pain medication and fluids. Severe cases may require hospitalization for proper recovery.
The dengue virus affects bone marrow cells, leading to a decrease in platelet production and thrombocytopenia. While platelet infusions are commonly recommended, research suggests that this may not be beneficial and could potentially cause harmful side effects.
During a dengue outbreak in New Delhi, India, doctors were cautious about prescribing platelet transfusions, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and management. Natural remedies such as certain foods, herbal remedies, and supplements may aid in dengue recovery by boosting the immune system, increasing platelet count, and managing symptoms.
Studies have shown that carbohydrate-binding agents and herbal remedies like Carica papaya, Euphorbia hirta, velvetleaf, elderberry, and garlic may have antiviral properties that could help with dengue recovery. Consuming a nutrient-rich diet and staying hydrated are vital components of the healing process for dengue patients.
Un estudio de literatura de 2021 publicado en la Revista Americana de Medicina Tropical e Higiene45 destaca estudios de varios países sobre cómo la suplementación con ciertos micronutrientes puede “ofrecer beneficios hipotéticos a los pacientes de dengue a través de numerosos mecanismos potenciales, incluida la modulación de la respuesta inmune del huésped.” Algunos de los nutrientes mencionados incluyen:
Vitamina C — Investigadores indios46 encontraron que los pacientes a quienes se les administró vitamina C suplementaria no solo tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria más corta, sino que también tenían recuentos de plaquetas más altos que aquellos que no tomaron el suplemento.
Vitamina D — Un estudio de Pakistán47 dividió a los pacientes de dengue en dos grupos; solo aquellos en el primer grupo recibieron suplementos de vitamina D. Los investigadores encontraron que aquellos que no recibieron el suplemento tenían más probabilidades de desarrollar fiebre hemorrágica del dengue.
Vitamina E — Investigadores de Sri Lanka48 señalaron que los pacientes de dengue que recibieron suplementos de vitamina E mostraron “mejoras en varios parámetros clínicos y hematológicos, incluidos recuentos plaquetarios subsiguientes significativamente más altos entre pacientes ingresados por trombocitopenia.”
Zinc — Un estudio49 realizado en Tailandia encontró que la suplementación con zinc llevó a una duración más corta de la hospitalización en niños infectados con dengue.
Si consumes una dieta saludable y equilibrada cargada de alimentos integrales, incluyendo frutas y verduras, no tendrás escasez de estos nutrientes. Por ejemplo, el kiwi, la fruta del dragón y la papaya son ricos en vitaminas A, C, E y potasio, todos los cuales pueden ayudar a promover la inmunidad y aumentar tu recuento de plaquetas de forma natural.50 En cuanto a la vitamina D, la mejor manera de aumentar tus niveles es exponiéndote regularmente al sol lo más cerca posible del mediodía solar.
La Prevención Sigue Siendo la Mejor Opción
El verano es la mejor temporada para pasar tiempo en la naturaleza y bajo el sol, pero el miedo a ser picado por mosquitos portadores de enfermedades puede hacerte dudar. Para evitar que te conviertas en un imán para mosquitos durante esta temporada, te recomiendo tomar estas medidas preventivas, para que puedas pasar tiempo al aire libre sin preocupaciones:
Usa mangas largas y pantalones si sabes que estarás al aire libre en una zona propensa a mosquitos.
Usa repelentes naturales contra insectos (no versiones químicas sintéticas), como aceite de hoja de canela, aceite esencial de citronela o aceite de hierba gatera, si es necesario.
Usa un ventilador de casa en tu patio trasero para mantener alejados a los mosquitos mientras estás al aire libre.
Plantación estratégica de caléndulas, de las cuales los mosquitos tienden a mantenerse alejados.
Drena el agua estancada, incluidos los platos de mascotas, canaletas, basureros y contenedores de reciclaje, neumáticos de repuesto, baños de pájaros y juguetes de niños, ya que aquí es donde los mosquitos se reproducen.
Instala una casa de murciélagos, ya que los mosquitos son una de sus comidas favoritas.