2024 Highlights
- In 2024, a large dengue outbreak in the Americas caused record numbers of disease cases in the United States, and Minnesota reported its highest ever total of travel-associated cases at 46
- Minnesota reported eight cases of chikungunya in 2024
- The majority of dengue cases (83%) and all of the cases of chikungunya resided in the Twin Cities metropolitan area
Dengue
Dengue is one of the most frequently occurring mosquito-borne diseases worldwide, and only about 1 in 4 people that are infected experience symptoms. In 2024, Minnesota reported a record-breaking 46 cases. Cases ranged in age from 5 to 83, with a median age of 43 years, and 50% of cases were male. Onset of symptoms occurred throughout the year, from January through December. Seventeen (39%) cases of dengue were hospitalized, but only two cases (4%) had disease characterized as severe dengue. Most (38) cases resided in the metropolitan area, and all infections were acquired abroad. Cases reported travel to many areas of the world, including the Caribbean (17), Mexico (16), Central America (5), India (4), Somalia (2) Malaysia (1), and Argentina (1).
Chikungunya
In 2024, eight cases of chikungunya were reported in Minnesota residents, with a median age of 45 (range, 22 to 59 years). Of the eight, three cases (38%) were male. All cases experienced a febrile illness, and two (25%) were hospitalized. Symptom onsets occurred throughout the year from February through December. Six (75%) cases resided in the metropolitan area and all eight cases were acquired abroad, in India (5), Somalia (2), and Belize (1).
