SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico’s well being secretary declared an epidemic on Monday following a spike in dengue cases.The U.S. territory of three.2 million folks has reported no less than 549 cases thus far this 12 months, in contrast with a complete of 1,293 cases for all of final 12 months. The majority of cases have been reported in the capital of San Juan.More than 340 folks have been hospitalized for the mosquito-borne virus, in accordance with the island’s well being division.Puerto Rico final declared a dengue epidemic in 2012.More than 5 million dengue cases had been reported worldwide final 12 months, with almost 80% of them occurring in the Western Hemisphere, in accordance the World Health Organization. The area has reported some 3 million cases thus far this 12 months, with well being officers noting that increased rainfall together with humidity and warmth linked to local weather change have contributed to a rise in cases.The virus may cause crushing complications, fever, vomiting, a rash and different signs. While most contaminated folks don’t get signs, extreme cases can result in plasma leakage and demise.