Dengue Fever Declares Public Health Emergency in Puerto Rico with 549 Cases Reported This Year, Aedes aegypti Mosquito is Primary Spreader and There are No Known Cures or Vaccines for It.

Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency over dengue fever after reporting 549 cases so far this year, which is a 350% increase compared to the previous five years.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is thought to be the primary spreader of dengue throughout the Americas and there are no known cures or vaccines for it. Dengue can cause crushing headaches, fever, vomiting, rash and other symptoms that may lead to plasma leakage and death in severe cases.
The virus has affected more than 5 billion people worldwide with nearly 80% of them occurring in the Western Hemisphere.
Dengue Fever Declares Public Health Emergency in Puerto Rico with 549 Cases Reported This Year, Aedes aegypti Mosquito is Primary Spreader and There are No Known Cures or Vaccines for It.

Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency over dengue fever after reporting 549 cases so far this year, which is a 350% increase compared to the previous five years. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is thought to be the primary spreader of dengue throughout the Americas and there are no known cures or vaccines for it. Dengue can cause crushing headaches, fever, vomiting, rash and other symptoms that may lead to plasma leakage and death in severe cases. The virus has affected more than 5 billion people worldwide with nearly 80% of them occurring in the Western Hemisphere. Health experts suggest an essential tactic to fight against mosquitoes is as simple as removing stagnant water, applying bug spray and wearing protective clothing.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It's not clear if other factors, such as climate change, may be contributing to the increase in dengue cases.
  • The effectiveness of mosquito control measures is uncertain and more research is needed.

Sources

94%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Puerto Rico reports at least 549 cases of dengue so far this year

ABC13 Houston News Site - Source Code Generator Wednesday, 27 March 2024 11:20
  • Unique Points
    • Puerto Rico has reported at least 549 cases of dengue so far this year.
    • The majority of cases have been reported in the capital of San Juan.
    • <350% increase when compared to activity over the last five years.
    • >1,287 people around the world in 2024.
    • Dengue is a potentially life-threatening infection that has no known cures or vaccines for it.
    • <5 billion people identified at risk of infection worldwide.
    • Health experts suggest an essential tactic to fight against mosquitoes is as simple as removing stagnant water, applying bug spray and wearing protective clothing.
  • Accuracy
    • More than 340 people have been hospitalized for the mosquito-borne virus.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

83%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Puerto Rico Declares Epidemic Over Dengue

The Weather Channel The Weather Wednesday, 27 March 2024 21:42
  • Unique Points
    • Puerto Rico has reported at least 549 cases of dengue so far this year.
    • >350% increase when compared to activity over the last five years.
    • Dengue is a potentially life-threatening infection that has no known cures or vaccines for it.
    • <4 billion people identified at risk of infection worldwide.
  • Accuracy
    • Puerto Rico declares an epidemic over mosquito-borne dengue.
    • Cases are also rising in parts of the mainland U.S.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that Puerto Rico has declared an epidemic over dengue. The author does not provide any evidence or context for this claim. Additionally, the article also makes a false statement about cases rising in parts of the mainland U.S., which is not supported by data.
    • Puerto Rico declares an epidemic over mosquito-borne dengue
    • The author does not provide any evidence or context for this claim.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

68%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Puerto Rico issues public health emergency after spike in mosquito-borne infections

Fox Weather Description & Analysis powered by Fox News Network LLC Andrew Wulfeck Wednesday, 27 March 2024 21:43
  • Unique Points
    • Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency after a spike in dengue fever cases.
    • >350% increase when compared to activity over the last five years.
    • The Aedes aegypti mosquito is thought to be the primary spreader of dengue throughout the Americas.
    • Dengue is a potentially life-threatening infection that has no known cures or vaccines for it.
    • >5,000 people around the world in 2023.
    • Outbreaks have been reported in many territories and nations including Jamaica, Curacao, Brazil and others.
    • The increase in precipitation observed across many Caribbean islands over the past winter can aid in increasing mosquito population.
    • <4 billion people identified at risk of infection worldwide.
    • Health experts suggest an essential tactic to fight against mosquitoes is as simple as removing stagnant water, applying bug spray and wearing protective clothing.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that dengue cases have exceeded historical figures when compared to activity over the last five years. However, this statement is not supported by any data or statistics provided in the article. Secondly, the author states that there are no known cures or vaccines for dengue virus but symptoms can be treated with medication. This statement is misleading as it implies that treatment options exist when in fact none have been proven to cure dengue fever and only provide symptomatic relief.
    • The author claims that dengue cases have exceeded historical figures when compared to activity over the last five years. However, this statement is not supported by any data or statistics provided in the article.
  • Fallacies (70%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dr. Stacey Rizza from the Mayo Clinic as sources for information about dengue fever. However, these sources are not directly related to Puerto Rico's public health emergency declaration or its specific situation with mosquito-borne infections.
    • The WHO has warned the endemic is the fast-growing mosquito-borne illness worldwide and is likely a result of a changing climate, an El Niño pattern, human conflicts and poor access to healthcare.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes people who are infected with dengue fever by referring to them as 'bloodsuckers'. Additionally, the article mentions a company called Mosquito Landscaping which provides services for keeping mosquitoes away from homes. This implies that there is money being made off of the fear and concern surrounding mosquito-borne infections.
    • The article mentions a company called Mosquito Landscaping which provides services for keeping mosquitoes away from homes. This implies that there is money being made off of the fear and concern surrounding mosquito-borne infections.
      • The author uses language that dehumanizes people who are infected with dengue fever by referring to them as 'bloodsuckers'
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        The article by Andrew Wulfeck on Fox Weather reports on a public health emergency in Puerto Rico due to an increase in mosquito-borne infections. The author has conflicts of interest with the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Stacey Rizza as they are both cited as sources for information about dengue fever, which could compromise their ability to report objectively on this topic.
        • The article also quotes Dr. Stacey Rizza, who has been criticized in the past for his views on vaccines and their safety (https://www.npr.org/2019/05/31/746852749/anti-vaccine-doctor-who-spreads-falsehoods-about-measles)
          • The article cites the Mayo Clinic as a source for information about dengue fever (https://www.foxweather.com/lifestyle/dengue-fever-warning-alert-caribbean)
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of dengue fever and mosquito-borne infections as they are affiliated with Mayo Clinic which is mentioned in the article. The author also mentions Dr. Stacey Rizza who is an expert at Mayo Clinic.
            • Dr. Stacey Rizza, a Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist, is quoted in the article stating 'Dengue fever can be prevented by avoiding areas where mosquitoes are known to breed and taking steps to protect yourself from bites.'
              • The article states that 'Mayo Clinic experts recommend taking precautions to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever.'

              72%

              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

              Puerto Rico declares public health emergency as dengue fever cases rise

              ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Wednesday, 27 March 2024 21:50
              • Unique Points
                • Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency as the number of dengue fever cases continues to rise. There has been a 140% increase this year in cases from Jan. 1 to March 21, compared to the same period last year.
                • Dengue viruses are spread through bites from infected Aedes species mosquitoes, mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. These mosquitoes are also responsible for spreading Zika and chikungunya viruses.
                • About one in four people develop symptoms lasting two to seven days, but symptoms are usually mild and include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain and bone pain.
              • Accuracy
                • Puerto Rico has reported at least 549 cases of dengue so far this year.
                • The majority of cases have been reported in the capital of San Juan.
                • More than 340 people have been hospitalized for the mosquito-borne virus.
              • Deception (50%)
                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that dengue cases have exceeded historical figures when it's not entirely clear what they mean by 'historical figures'. Secondly, the author quotes Dr. Carlos Mellado Lopez as saying that there has been a 140% increase in cases from Jan. 1 to March 21 compared to the same period last year without providing any context or data for this comparison. Thirdly, the article uses sensationalist language such as 'dengue fever cases continue to rise' and 'about one in four people develop symptoms lasting two to seven days', which can be misleading and alarming for readers. Lastly, the author does not provide any information on how effective vaccines are against dengue or if they have been administered in Puerto Rico.
                • The article claims that dengue cases have exceeded historical figures without providing context or data for this comparison.
              • Fallacies (70%)
                The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when they quote Dr. Carlos Mellado López and Dr. Melissa Marzán stating that dengue cases have exceeded historical figures in Puerto Rico and the region of the Americas respectively.
                • >140% increase this year in cases from Jan. 1 to March 21, compared to the same period last year,
                • Dengue viruses are spread through bites from infected Aedes species mosquitoes.
              • Bias (85%)
                The article contains a statement from the Puerto Rico Department of Health that there has been an increase in dengue fever cases this year compared to the same period last year. This is presented as fact without any evidence or context provided. Additionally, the article mentions that municipal leaders have played a crucial role alongside the Department of Health in addressing dengue, which could be seen as biased towards those who are actively working to combat the disease.
                • Municipal leaders have played a crucial role alongside the Department of Health in addressing dengue
                  • The number of dengue fever cases continues to rise
                    • This year, dengue cases have exceeded historical figures
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      ABC News has a conflict of interest on the topic of Puerto Rico as they are owned by The Walt Disney Company which has financial ties to the island through its theme parks and cruise lines. Additionally, ABC News may have personal relationships with sources or subjects related to Puerto Rico's public health emergency due to their coverage of the area.
                      • ABC News is owned by The Walt Disney Company which has financial ties to Puerto Rico through its theme parks and cruise lines.
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication