# 5008
While still far above the epidemic threshold, the good news is that once again we are seeing a drop in the number of reported cases of Dengue on the island of Puerto Rico.
In the latest reporting week (39 – Sept 24-30), 722 cases were reported, down from 759 the previous week and down more than 250 cases/wk from the peak recorded in week 32,
This seven week gradual decline in cases - while a positive trend – still leaves the island with a rate 3 times higher than the epidemic threshold for this time of year.
The follow information comes from the CDC’s weekly Puerto Rico Dengue Surveillance report.
This year’s totals are well above those recorded during the last major outbreak of Dengue on the island in 1998. Then, just over 10,000 people were affected with 19 deaths reported.
Dengue activity is likely to remain elevated on the island over the next couple of months – at least until the end of rainy season.
Wherever you live, if mosquitoes are in your environment, you are at some (usually slight) risk of contracting a mosquito borne illness.
This year Florida has reported 54 locally acquired Dengue cases, and of course West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, EEE, La Cross Virus, and others can be found across the United States and much of the world.
All are all carried by mosquitoes.
Which is why taking simple precautions against mosquitoes makes sense. Here are the `5 D’s’ of mosquito disease prevention.
For more on mosquito borne diseases, you might wish to check out these posts.
ASTMH: Dengue and Insect-Borne EIDs In The US
MMWR: Dengue Epidemic In Puerto Rico
MMWR: Dengue Fever In Key West
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
What’s The Vector, Victor?
