Breakbone Fever Reaches Florida: Local Dengue Transmission Returns After 15 Years
TL;DR
Florida is seeing local transmission of dengue fever for the first time in about 15 years, with 10 locally acquired cases this year (eight in Hillsborough County and two in Pinellas County). Dengue is mosquito-borne and not native to Florida; most cases come from travelers who bring the virus, after which local mosquitoes can spread it. Symptoms can include fever, rash and body aches; treatment is supportive. The CDC recommends protecting against bites with long sleeves/pants and insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol to prevent infection.
- Cases of ‘Breakbone Fever’ Spreading Locally in Florida for First Time in 15 Years AOL.com
- Mosquito control ramps up as dengue fever cases rise in Hillsborough and Pinellas WUSF
- Pinellas County increases mosquito control in Palm Harbor following Department of Health-Pinellas Dengue Fever alert Pinellas County (.gov)
- Pinellas County reports two cases of dengue, first in 15 years tampabaybeacons.com
- Lee County on alert as Florida records new dengue cases WINK News
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