CDC Reports High Dengue Rates in U.S. Territories

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that dengue, a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes, must be better controlled in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Between 2010 and 2020, the CDC logged nearly 31,000 dengue cases in U.S. territories, with over 96% of these occurring in Puerto Rico. A dengue vaccine is available but not recommended for children who have not had a prior infection. The CDC has authorized the use of genetically modified mosquitoes in some Florida and Texas counties to prevent dengue transmission.