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What to know about dengue fever as Florida reports 1st death and cases rise
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- Florida has confirmed its first dengue fever-related death of the year, involving an 80-year-old woman from Tampa who died on September 4, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
- Dengue cases are rising in the state, with 152 locally acquired cases reported as of the week ending September 12, the highest since 2023 when 189 cases were recorded for the entire year.
- Hillsborough County, including Tampa, has the most cases this year with 134, while other affected counties include Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, and Pinellas.
- Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can cause symptoms ranging from mild fever and rash to severe illness leading to shock or death; there is no specific treatment, and prevention focuses on mosquito control and personal protective measures.
- There is currently no widely available dengue vaccine in the U.S., and the CDC advises against aspirin or ibuprofen for symptom relief, recommending rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications instead.
