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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory on Tuesday, alerting authorities and healthcare providers to an elevated risk of dengue fever infections across the United States.

According to the CDC, there has been an unexpected surge in dengue fever cases nationwide this year, totaling 2,241 reported cases thus far. In Puerto Rico, a public health emergency was declared in March after recording 1,498 cases, surpassing historical averages. Most cases within the mainland U.S. are travel-related, the CDC noted.

Last year, a total of 3,036 dengue cases were reported in the U.S. and its territories.

Globally, the incidence of dengue fever has reached record highs this year, particularly affecting Latin American countries where over 9.7 million cases have been reported, double the number from 2023, according to CDC data.

The increase in dengue infections has been attributed to rising temperatures, which create favorable conditions for mosquitoes that transmit the virus to thrive and carry higher viral loads, NBC News reported.

The primary symptom of dengue infection is fever, often accompanied by severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and muscle and joint pain. While most patients recover within a week, severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications such as shock, internal bleeding, and, in some instances, death.

People who have previously contracted dengue are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms. The CDC warns that a person can experience dengue fever multiple times in their lifetime, corresponding to each of the virus types that cause the disease.

In response to the heightened risk, the CDC advises healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for dengue among patients presenting with fever, especially if they have recently traveled to areas with known dengue transmission.

Prompt reporting of suspected cases to public health authorities is recommended, along with efforts to educate the public on preventive measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying in air-conditioned environments.

Additionally, the CDC is enhancing laboratory testing capabilities to improve the diagnosis of dengue cases and bolstering public awareness campaigns about the disease.