4 More Locally-Acquired Dengue Cases Reported In FL: Officials

MIAMI, FL — The state Department of Health reported four more cases of locally-acquired dengue in South Florida, prompting officials to issue an alert reminding residents about the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses.

The cases were reported in Miami-Dade and Broward counties between July 30 and Aug. 5, according to a report from the Florida Department of Health. So far this year, a total of 11 locally-acquired cases have been reported — nine in Miami-Dade and two in Broward, according to county health officials.

"Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and is not normally present in Florida," Miami-Dade health officials said in a public health alert. "However, infected travelers can bring the virus back to Florida mosquitoes."

No information about the infected patients is known, including names or where they live in their respective counties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the dengue virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, a species that also spreads Zika, chikungunya, and other viruses.

Each year, up to 400 million people are infected by one of four dengue viruses, according to the CDC. Approximately 100 million people get sick from infection, and 40,000 die from severe dengue.

The most common symptoms of dengue include fever accompanied by nausea, vomiting, rash, and aches and pains. There is no specific medicine to treat dengue, and most people recover after about a week.

The CDC said about one in 20 people will develop severe dengue, which can lead to shock, internal bleeding and even death, although deaths are rare.

Overall, Florida health officials said 190 travel-associated dengue cases have been reported in the state in 2023.

The uptick in dengue cases comes as Florida is also experiencing an increase in locally acquired malaria cases. Earlier this summer, seven malaria cases were reported n Sarasota County.

Health officials said that residents should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses. Start by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, applying bug spray, and avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

To help reduce the population of mosquitos, residents are asked to:

• Drain and cover areas around their home where water might accumulate.
• Drain pools of freshwater around the house and yard.
• Empty pet bowls, garbage cans, garbage can lids, bottles, tires and anything where freshwater has accumulated.

Officials also offered these additional tips for prevention of mosquito-borne illness:

• Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10 to 30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535 on bare skin and clothing.
• Wear shoes, socks, and long sleeves and pants. Use mosquito netting to protect children less than 2 months old.
• Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.