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Cases of ‘Breakbone Fever’ Spreading Locally in Florida for First Time in 15 Years
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Florida has reported 10 locally acquired dengue fever cases this year, including the first in Pinellas County in 15 years, with eight cases in Hillsborough County occurring within two weeks.
- Dengue fever, spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, causes symptoms such as fever, rash, severe body aches, nausea, and vomiting, and about 25% of those bitten by infected mosquitoes become ill.
- The CDC notes that most U.S. dengue cases are imported by travelers, but local transmission is increasing, prompting a March alert about higher-than-expected cases among U.S. travelers.
- Preventative measures recommended by the CDC include wearing long sleeves and pants, and using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol, with certain repellents not advised for children under three.
- Treatment for dengue focuses on symptom relief through acetaminophen, rest, and fluids, as there is no specific cure for the viral infection.
