CDC Issues Dengue Alert as Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Battle Ongoing Outbreaks

The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico remain in the grip of active dengue virus (DENV) outbreaks, prompting renewed public health warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the United States braces for a potentially severe dengue season. In a Health Alert Network (HAN) update issued a few days ago, the CDC reported sustained dengue activity in the Americas and rising case numbers across multiple regions. The warning includes updated testing recommendations and prevention guidelines for healthcare providers, health departments, and the general public. Outbreak Status in the USVI and Puerto Rico In Puerto Rico, health officials have reported 936 dengue cases as of March 7, 2025—more than double the number during the same period in 2024, marking a 113% year-over-year increase. The island remains under a public health emergency first declared in March 2024. Last year, 6,291 dengue cases were reported in Puerto Rico, 52% of which required hospitalization, with 13 f...