Dengue cases in Florida nearly double in one week, here's where

Key Points:

• Florida has reported a surge in locally acquired dengue fever cases, with 32 new cases in one week, bringing the total to 73 for the year as of August 29, primarily in Hillsborough County.
• The Florida Department of Health is also monitoring West Nile virus, with two cases reported, and has issued mosquito-borne illness advisories or alerts in 10 counties due to increased disease activity and mosquito populations.
• Dengue fever symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and sometimes bleeding or gastrointestinal issues, while West Nile virus can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological illness.
• The Florida Department of Health recommends using mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and advises residents to drain standing water and cover exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites.
• Mosquito-borne illnesses in Florida include dengue, West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, Zika, chikungunya, and others, with ongoing surveillance and public health advisories to mitigate the spread.