Florida Department of Health officials have confirmed a total of eight cases of dengue fever, with seven cases located in Martin County and one case in Miami-Dade County. The affected individuals in both counties had no history of recent international travel, so exposure was likely from local mosquitoes.
Dengue fever (pronounced den’ gee) is a disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, not person to person. Locally-acquired dengue is rare in the United States. It is estimated that there are more than 100 million cases of dengue worldwide each year.
“Floridians are urged to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, Interim Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services (CMS). “People can take simple steps to protect themselves like dumping standing water, wearing protective clothing and using repellent when outside.”
Though some people may experience little to no symptoms, the most common symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, joint and bone pain and rash. People who have symptoms of dengue should contact their health provider immediately.
For more prevention tips and information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department’s website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html or call your local county health department.
