Video – Understanding Dengue Fever: Symptoms
Mosquitoes are spreading dengue fever at alarming rates across the Americas, putting U.S. travelers at risk of bringing the potentially life-threatening virus back home. Health officials in the U.S. are concerned about the increasing number of infections and the potential for sustained local transmission.
Experts warn that more people will be infected as summer approaches and hurricane season hits. Climate change is creating conditions that allow the dengue-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito to thrive, posing a significant threat.
The U.S. has already seen a surge in dengue cases, surpassing any year in the last decade. Travel-related infections are on the rise, with Puerto Rico declaring a public health emergency due to local transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health advisory warning about the increased risk of dengue in the U.S. Recent extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Beryl, provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and the spread of dengue.
Preventing mosquito bites is crucial, as there is currently no widely available vaccine for dengue. Vigilance, protection, and awareness are key in combating the spread of this dangerous virus.
Vocabulary List:
- Dengue /ˈdɛŋɡeɪ/ (noun): A viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes characterized by high fever severe headache pain behind the eyes and joint and muscle pain.
- Transmission /trænzˈmɪʃən/ (noun): The act or process of transmitting something often referring to diseases.
- Infection /ɪnˈfɛkʃən/ (noun): The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues which can lead to disease.
- Vigilance /ˈvɪdʒɪləns/ (noun): Careful watchfulness for possible danger or difficulties.
- Surge /sɜrdʒ/ (noun): A sudden powerful forward or upward movement often used in the context of an increase in numbers or intensity.
- Climate Change /ˈklaɪmət ʧeɪndʒ/ (noun): Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place often attributed to human activity.
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