Puerto Rico health officials declare dengue epidemic, fear repeat of 2007’s large outbreak

Puerto Rico declares epidemic of dengue fever

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Health officials in Puerto Rico have declared an epidemic of dengue fever.

Health Secretary Lorenzo Gonzalez says 210 cases have been confirmed for January, more than triple the number in the same month of 2007. That year proved the worst for the U.S. Caribbean territory in nearly a decade, with 11,000 cases.

Dengue is a tropical virus spread by mosquitoes that has no vaccine. It generally causes fever, headaches and extreme joint and muscle pain. Most sufferers recover within a week.

Gonzalez says no one has died in the latest outbreak. He says only three hemorrhagic dengue cases have been reported since January.