As Dengue Spreads, New Vaccines Are Needed

With the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent recommendation of a second dengue vaccine, this increased access may help reduce dengue outbreaks globally. About 4 billion people live in areas with a risk of dengue. 

In the United States, the CDC confirmed that 44 U.S. jurisdictions had reported about 997 dengue cases as of September 27, 2023.

During the summer of 2023, dengue outbreaks have been reported by the U.S. CDC in Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Puerto Rica.

In Florida, the Department of Health issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory in June 2023. 

As of September 30, 2023, 38 locally acquired dengue cases have been reported this year, primarily in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, 334 travel-associated dengue fever cases were reported, primarily in people arriving from Cuba and Brazil. 

Over one thousand miles to the north, New York has reported 74 dengue cases, and New Jersey has confirmed 35 this year.

In the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rica has reported 442 cases.

Anyone who lives in or travels to dengue-endemic areas is at risk for infection. According to the CDC, the four dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

The CDC has issued various Travel Health Advisories regarding dengue outbreaks in 2023. Before visiting the areas, the CDC suggests discussing dengue vaccination options with a healthcare provider.