Dengue fever in Florida on the rise. As virus cases grow, here's how to spot symptoms
Florida health officials sent a warning about a rise in cases of dengue fever, issuing a new alert after two local cases in Broward County.
The two cases in the South Florida county, which includes Fort Lauderdale, brings to 10 the number of locally acquired cases this year, the Florida Department of Health said in a new surveillance report. Eight cases have been confirmed in Miami-Dade County, also under alert for the virus.
Dengue is spread through mosquito bites and sickens about 1 in 4 people infected with the virus. Cases in the United States usually occur among people who travel to countries where the illness is widespread. But infected travelers can bring the virus back to the local mosquito population, which can lead to locally acquired cases.
Florida health officials reported 190 cases among people who traveled to dengue-endemic regions within two weeks of becoming ill. Nearly 200 people in the United States have had travel-related dengue so far this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
The virus is more common in U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the CDC said.
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What is dengue fever and who is at risk?
Dengue is caused by four related viruses, which means a person can be infected multiple times over their lifetime, the CDC said.
About half the world's population lives in areas with a risk of dengue fever because the virus is in the local mosquito population, according to the CDC. Dengue is common in tourist hotspots in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
People who are sickened by the virus could have muscle or joint pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting or rash. Most people recover within one week, but some have severe complications that can emerge a day or two after fever goes away. Some warning signs include belly pain or tenderness, repeated vomiting, nose or gum bleeding, vomiting blood, blood in the stool or being tired, restless or irritable.
About 1 in 20 people have severe dengue and should seek care at a hospital or other health facility, the CDC said. Infants, pregnant women and people who have had past infections face a higher risk of severe dengue.
The virus infects about 400 million people worldwide each year, and about 40,000 people die annually from severe dengue.
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How can I protect myself from dengue?
Because dengue is spread to people through infected Aedes mosquitos, people should try to avoid mosquito bites. Some strategies include using a DEET insect repellant on skin and clothes or staying in screened or air-conditioned areas, according to Johns Hopkins.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dengue virus in Florida: 2 cases in Broward County prompt alert
