Dengue virus cases in Florida aren't unheard of. Here's what to know about the disease

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
·4 min read
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Malaria and leprosy cases in Florida have people more aware of diseases that have flown under the public’s radar for years. Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever, is the latest to set off a wave of concern in the state.

The Florida Department of Health has placed Broward and Miami-Dade counties under mosquito-borne illness alert after reports of dengue virus have spread.

There have been 11 reports of locally acquired dengue in 2023, according to the latest arbovirus surveillance report, a weekly report that provides details on new cases of endemic mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile virus and exotic viruses like dengue.

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To date, two cases were reported in Broward County and nine cases were reported in Miami-Dade County.

Travel-associated dengue cases have seen a slight uptick in 2023, with 204 reported cases. Ten cases were reported in non-Florida residents and two cases met the criteria for severe dengue, which include dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Here’s what to know about dengue.

What is dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that can be found worldwide. It’s caused by four related viruses called DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. These viruses are related to the viruses that cause West Nile and yellow fever, according to the Florida Department of Health.

In mild cases, dengue can cause high fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases of dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure and even death, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Local cases of dengue are typically rare. Cases are usually imported from dengue-endemic regions like the Caribbean, Central and South America and Asia.

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What are dengue symptoms?

Most people infected with dengue experience no signs or symptoms and they are often mistaken as other illnesses when they do occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. Signs of dengue symptoms usually develop between four to 10 days after infection and include:

  • Headache

  • Muscle, bone or joint pain

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Pain behind the eyes

  • Swollen glands

  • Rash

What are the symptoms of severe dengue fever?

In severe cases of dengue fever, blood vessels can become damaged, which can cause serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, organ failure and death. Severe dengue fever symptoms can develop quickly and may include:

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Persistent vomiting

  • Bleeding from gums or nose

  • Blood in urine, stool or vomit

  • Bleeding under the skin, which may look like bruising

  • Difficult or rapid breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Irritability or restlessness

Mayo Clinic recommends seeking immediate medical attention if you have recently visited a dengue-endemic area, you’ve had a fever and you develop any of the warning signs.

How is dengue diagnosed?

Dengue can be hard to diagnose since its broad symptoms are shared with many other diseases. Doctors will typically ask about a patient’s medical and travel history and may use a lab blood test during diagnosis.

How is dengue treated?

Like some of its related diseases, there is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Mayo Clinic recommends drinking plenty of fluids and calling a doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Decreased urination

  • Few or no tears

  • Dry mouth or lips

  • Lethargy or confusion

  • Cold or clammy extremities

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How common is dengue in Florida?

Dengue was eliminated in the U.S. decades ago, according to the Florida Department of Health, with no reported cases of dengue acquired in Florida between 1934 and 2009. A dengue outbreak in Key West was reported between 2009-2010 when 22 people were identified with the disease.

Since then, several cases are reported each year with the overwhelming majority being imported from dengue-endemic areas like the Caribbean, Central and South America and Asia.

Dengue prevention

As with any mosquito-borne illness, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten, which is easier said than done. Here are some tips:

  • Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients:

    • DEET

    • Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)

    • IR3535

    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)

    • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)

    • 2-undecanone

  • Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your arms and legs

  • Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors

  • Use air conditioning

  • Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water

    • Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, flowerpots or any other container where water has accumulated.

    • Clean birdbaths and pet water bowls.

    • Keep swimming pools in good condition

There is a new dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia but the CDC only recommends it for children between 9-16 years old who have been previously infected with dengue and live in areas where the disease is common.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Are dengue fever cases in Florida a cause for concern? What to know