Dengue fever reported in SC as cases hit record number across globe. Here’s what to know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a public health alert about an increased risk of dengue virus infections in the United States.

Globally, the incidence of dengue so far this year has been record-breaking.

In South Carolina, four cases have been reported from Jan. 1 to June 24.

In the Americas there have been more than 9.7 million dengue cases, twice as many as in all of 2023. Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency, the CDC said.

The virus is transmitted via a mosquito bite and is most common in United States territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Many of the cases in the U.S. occurred after travel to areas with high dengue fever transmission.

The virus may cause nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes, headache, or low white blood cell counts.

Those at increased risk include children younger than a year old, pregnant women, and adults aged over 65 years.

“There are no antiviral medications approved to treat dengue,” the CDC said in its warning.

Instead, the CDC advises acetaminophens every 6 hours, sponge baths, and lots of water to prevent dehydration.

If there is a decrease in urination, dry mouth, sunken eyes, listlessness, agitation, or confusion, fast heartbeat, and cold or clammy fingers and toes the patient should go to the emergency room. The fever usually lasts two to seven days.

The CDC said the number of cases likely will rise as temperatures do because the range of mosquitoes that carry dengue expands. The federal agency launched an emergency response to the increase in cases in April.

The CDC recommends using Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents during travel to and after returning from areas with dengue transmission and to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved pants and shirts.

Also use air conditioning and window screens, and drain containers that hold water.