Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic as dengue cases continue to spread on the island.
549 cases have been reported as of now, and more than 340 people have been hospitalized, reported Puerto Rico's health department.
"As of Mar. 21, 2024, the Department of Health's epidemiological surveillance of diseases has observed a 140% increase in dengue cases for Puerto Rico compared to the same period last year," the department said in a press release on Monday.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that spreads in tropical and subtropical environments, typically causing a high fever and flu-like symptoms. However, some may not feel any symptoms at all.
In a post on X, Puerto Rico Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López said he has been monitoring the outbreaks of dengue and coronavirus.
"The increase in dengue cases requires that all components of society join forces in order to prevent the contagion and spread of this virus, which is why we call for prevention," López wrote.
Puerto Rico isn't the only island hit with a dengue outbreak. Jamaica's Ministry of Health declared a dengue infestation on Sept. 23 following an increase in the number of cases reported.
According to the US Embassy of Jamaica, 1,060 were confirmed infected at the time.
By November, nine people had died, and more than 3,100 were reportedly infected with dengue.
Jamaica's chief medical officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, said in January that dengue remains a concern in the country and asked residents to monitor water containers for mosquitoes, destroy potential breeding sites, and wear protective clothing and mosquito repellant to help prevent the spread of the disease.
The CDC is warning travelers to stay vigilant and protect themselves from mosquito bites.
