Florida officials sound alarm on dengue fever as it grapples with spike in cases

An increase in dengue fever instances has prompted Florida officers to concern one other well being alert for the mosquito-borne sickness — which has so far infected at least 10 people across the state.

The state’s Division of Well being has now positioned Broward County, which incorporates Fort Lauderdale, beneath an sickness alert.

The county is the second after Miami-Dade to be warned concerning the unfold of the viral an infection.

Two instances of regionally contracted dengue have been found in Broward County this yr, according to the department’s latest surveillance report.

In complete, officers know of 10 instances of the virus that have been regionally transmitted inside the Sunshine State.

The mosquito-transmitted virus is also called “breakbone fever” for the fever, muscle aches, and joint pains related to it.

People have historically contracted dengue from touring abroad to places the place it’s widespread — making the brand new instances unfold regionally uncommon.

In complete, Florida has reported practically 200 instances of dengue amongst individuals who traveled to such areas.

Dengue is unfold by means of mosquito bites and offers a larger hazard to pregnant girls, infants, the aged, folks with comorbidities, and individuals who have had it earlier than.

The signs of dengue normally final between 4 and 7 days.