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Florida dengue cases hit 624 as historic outbreak continues to grow
Sarasota Herald-Tribune • • health
Key Points:
- Florida is facing its largest dengue fever outbreak in decades, with 624 locally acquired cases reported this year, primarily concentrated in Hillsborough County, which has 468 cases and one death.
- Heavy rainfall has increased mosquito breeding grounds, raising concerns about a further rise in dengue cases and prompting Hillsborough County to declare a state of local emergency to control the mosquito population.
- In addition to dengue, Florida has reported cases of other mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, with 21 counties under mosquito-borne illness advisories or alerts.
- Residents are urged to take preventive measures including eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents containing DEET or other effective ingredients, wearing protective clothing, and staying informed about aerial mosquito control operations.
- Dengue symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain (hence the nickname "breakbone fever"), and sometimes bleeding; while there is no cure, supportive care and hydration are essential, and severe cases require immediate medical attention.
