Why is Dengue on the Rise?

Posted by Mosquito Squad

July 31, 2024

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is running rampant in 2024.

At the time of this writing, the United States has reported 2,669 cases of Dengue. 38 of those cases are now present in Missouri (3) and Illinois (35). The good news is that these local cases were acquired by travelers to high infection risk areas; they were not contracted in Missouri or Illinois. That doesn’t mean that the U.S. doesn’t have locally contracted cases. So far, Puerto Rico has reported 1,771; the U.S. Virgin Islands has reported 17; and Florida has reported 9.

Why has 2024 become so rampant with Dengue?

In the Americas, there have been almost 10 million confirmed cases of Dengue so far this year. That is twice the number from all of 2023. If cases continue to increase at the same rate, the Americas could see as many as 20 million cases in 2024. The reason that Dengue is so prevalent this year is unusually warm, humid conditions, thereby introducing the mosquitoes responsible for the spread of Dengue, to areas they have not been before. This climate also lends itself to longer mosquito activity and breeding seasons, resulting in an explosion of mosquito populations.

How common is Dengue?

Over half the world’s population is at risk for Dengue fever. Annual estimates state that there are nearly 400 million cases worldwide, which result in about 36,000 deaths. Most people with Dengue never have symptoms, while others experience mild symptoms. These cases usually pass within one or two weeks. The mortality rate of Dengue fever is about 1%. However, if Dengue evolves into its severe form, the mortality rate increases to an average of 3.5% if treated and up to 20% if left untreated.

Serious symptoms include:

High fever
Intense headache
Nausea and vomiting
Joint pain, stiffness, muscle pain

If you suspect that you have been bitten by an infected mosquito, seek immediate medical intervention.

Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the mosquitoes that are also responsible for yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika virus. While these mosquito-borne illnesses are rare in our region, they are not an impossibility. Be sure to protect yourself with proper DEET or picaridin repellent away from home and enlist the pros at Mosquito Squad of St. Louis Metro East for proven and effective mosquito control at home.

Search for Lebanon mosquito control and get in touch with Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad of St. Louis Metro East is pleased to offer highly effective Lebanon mosquito control, as well as tick control, rodent control, spider control, and more. From mosquitoes and ticks to gnats and stink bugs, we hope to be your first choice for mosquito control in Lebanon IL and surrounding areas. Contact us today at (618) 221-5139 or by filling out our form online.