The Zika virus has captured headlines for weeks as public health officials try to play catch up on this global health epidemic. But Zika is not the only virus causing trouble.
Dengue Fever in Hawaii:
Another mosquito-borne infection, dengue fever, is also starting to make headlines, especially in Hawaii. An outbreak of this disease on the Big Island has led the mayor of Hawaii County to declare a state of emergency. That’s because more than 250 cases of Dengue fever have been confirmed since the fall.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Symptoms of this viral disease include a sudden high fever, skin rash, incapacitating headaches and pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, debilitating fatigue, digestive upset, bruising or bleeding. In some cases, dengue fever can progress to a life-threatening complication called dengue hemorrhagic fever, which may lead to massive bleeding and collapse of the circulatory system.
Where Is Dengue Fever a Threat?
Dengue fever now infects as many as 100 million people worldwide every year. With global warming it is expected to continue spreading. It is already found in Florida and Texas.
Because the same mosquito (Aedes aegypti) carries both dengue and Zika viruses as well as chikungunya, mosquito control measures will be critical to stopping the spread of these diseases.
