AI Generated Image
Dengue cases nearly double in one week. Here's where
Yahoo News Canada • • health
Key Points:
- Florida has reported a surge in dengue fever cases, with 32 new locally acquired cases in one week, bringing the total to 73 cases statewide as of August 29, primarily in Hillsborough County.
- The Florida Department of Health is monitoring multiple mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, which has led to advisories or alerts in 10 counties due to increased disease activity and mosquito populations.
- Dengue fever symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, and sometimes bleeding and gastrointestinal issues, with symptoms typically lasting four to seven days.
- Prevention measures recommended include using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, draining standing water around homes, and covering up to avoid mosquito bites, especially during peak mosquito activity.
- West Nile virus can cause mild to severe illness, with most infected people showing no symptoms, but about 1 in 150 developing serious neurological complications; pregnant women infected with dengue risk passing the virus to their fetus.
