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.
The resurgence of dengue fever outbreaks in areas where it previously did not exist is a cause for concern. The reasons for this sudden increase in cases, along with the availability of effective treatment and vaccines, are questions that Dr. Raman Velayudhan addressed during a recent WHO Science in 5 interview with Vismita Gupta-Smith.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue has become endemic in many countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. In the United States, states like Florida and Puerto Rico have reported cases of locally acquired and travel-related dengue in 2024.
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.