Nearly 200 cases of Dengue virus were reported in the states of New York and New Jersey this year , according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) . New York reported 143 cases , while New Jersey reported 41 . The disease , which is uncommon in the Tri - State area , is suddenly emerging by the dozen.

The CDC issued a health alert last month , warning health care providers about the increased risk of dengue virus infection this year . Reports indicate that over 2,500 people have been infected in the U.S. so far this year , about five times higher than the same period last year . Puerto Rico has the majority of cases , with over 1,700 reported , prompting the U.S. territory to declare a public health emergency.

Globally , new cases of dengue have reached record levels , according to the CDC . Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted by a type of warm weather mosquito that is expanding its geographic reach due to climate change . Most common symptoms include fever , aches , pains , nausea , vomiting , and rash , with recovery typically occurring after about a week.

Dr. Edward Liu , Chief of Infectious Diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center , emphasized the importance of travel history in diagnosing dengue . He mentioned that there is no widely available medicine for treating dengue infections , and prevention by avoiding mosquito bites is crucial . Dengue - carrying mosquitoes have not been detected in the Tri - State area yet.

The CDC has issued a health advisory for an increased risk of dengue infections in the United States in 2024 . New Jersey , among the five states with the most dengue cases in the country , has reported 41 cases this year.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted primarily through mosquito bites . Symptoms include fever , aches , eye pain , nausea , vomiting , and rash . Severe dengue symptoms may include belly pain , bleeding , and extreme fatigue . Prevention methods include using insect repellent , wearing protective clothing , and controlling mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.

Dengue is caused by four viruses spread through mosquito bites , making it the most common arthropod - borne disease in the world . Most cases in the U.S. occur in travelers to regions where infection is common . Transmission is common in tropical and subtropical areas , with specific territories experiencing frequent dengue transmission.

To prevent dengue , the CDC recommends avoiding mosquito bites by using EPA - registered insect repellent , wearing protective clothing , and controlling mosquito breeding sites . Mosquito - proofing yards by eliminating standing water sources is also crucial in preventing mosquito breeding . Dengue cases should be reported to local health departments within 24 hours of diagnosis.