Cases of dengue fever are rising in Florida: Officials on alert
Florida is experiencing an increase in dengue fever cases transmitted by mosquitoes. As of September 1, the number of locally acquired cases in the state has risen to 41, officials warned that the number of cases could rise further in the coming weeks.
According to the Florida Mosquito Control Board, 30 of the locally sourced cases were seen in Hillsborough, 7 in Miami‑Dade, 3 in Pinellas, and 1 in Palm Beach County.
In the Hillsborough and Pinellas regions, the Florida Department of Health issued a mosquito‑borne disease alert. Officials increased surveillance, inspection, and spraying efforts in the areas where cases were reported.
Dengue fever; a viral illness that can cause fever, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, and rash. In rare cases, the disease can progress to life‑threatening severe dengue.
Record Cases Recorded in 2024
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that 2024 was a record year for dengue in the United States. A total of 3,798 cases were reported across U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
Florida reached the highest number among U.S. states in 2024, with 1,044 cases. In the same year, a total of 85 locally sourced cases were reported in 10 counties within the state.
Officials recommend draining stagnant water around homes to prevent the spread of the disease. It is noted that mosquitoes can breed in small water pools such as buckets, plant saucers, rubber, and toys.
Experts also advise wearing long‑sleeved clothing when going outdoors and using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or similar active ingredients.
While a significant portion of those who catch Dang fever show no symptoms, most patients recover within one to two weeks. However, if severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, difficulty breathing, or extreme weakness appear, urgent medical help is required.
Comments
You must sign in to comment.
Sign InYou Might Also Like
Horror in a U.S. Restaurant: Lawyer Points Gun at Ex‑Spouse
He pointed his gun at his ex‑spouse and pulled the trigger, but he overlooked two things: the gun’s safety and the waiter who rushed onto the scene in seconds… A single intervention averted the horror in the U.S. restaurant.
Trump's 'Plane Game' During His Return to Turkey Becomes a Netflix Documentary
He boarded Air Force One on his return to Turkey, but did not return to the US on that plane! Trump's unconventional 'plane game' hidden from journalists became a behind-the-scenes Netflix documentary.
Why are carpets so common in homes in America? Here are the surprising reasons
In the U.S., carpet use is especially widespread in bedrooms and staircases. Advantages such as thermal insulation, low cost, and sound isolation highlight the carpet, while disadvantages like cleaning, stains, and allergen buildup lead to a preference for hardwood and vinyl floors in new homes.
.avif){kind=small}