Two cases of locally acquired dengue were reported between June 23 and June 29, bringing the Florida total of locally acquired cases to 10 across four counties, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Health advisories and alerts have been issued for the affected counties.
The number of travel-related cases of dengue reported in Florida so far in 2024 is much higher, with more than 240 cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Here's what you should know.
Locally acquired cases of dengue reported in 4 Florida counties
As of June 29, there have been 10 cases of locally acquired dengue in Florida in four counties. Here's the breakdown:
- Hillsborough County: 1 case, in June
- Miami-Dade County: 6 cases; 2 in January, 1 in February, 2 in March, 1 in April
- Monroe County: 2 cases; 2 in June
- Pasco County: 1 case, in January
Mosquito-borne advisories, illness alerts issues for 6 Florida counties
Counties currently under a mosquito-borne illness advisory include:
- Hillsborough County
- Holmes County
- Nassau County
- Pasco County
Counties under a mosquito-borne illness alert include:
- Miami-Dade County
- Monroe County
What's the difference between an advisory and an alert for mosquito-borne illnesses?
An advisory is issued if there is one positive locally acquired case in the past week, said James Williams, press secretary with the Florida Department of Health.
An alert is issued if there are two or more positive locally acquired cases in the prior week.
How long the advisories and alerts are in effect depend on the different type of mosquito-borne illness but generally range from six to 12 weeks.
244 cases of travel-related dengue reported in Florida since Jan. 1, 2024
There have been 244 cases of dengue in Florida reported this year in people with a travel history to a dengue-endemic area in the two weeks prior to onset.
Counties reporting cases include:
- Alachua County: 3 cases
- Brevard County: 3 cases
- Broward County: 39 cases
- Charlotte County: 2 cases
- Collier County: 6 cases
- Duval County: 6 cases
- Flagler County: 18 cases
- Hernando County: 18 cases
- Hillsborough County: 18 cases
- Lake County: 9 cases
- Lee County: 9 cases
- Miami-Dade County: 104 cases
- Okaloosa County: 17 cases
- Orange County: 17 cases
- Osceola County: 11 cases
- Palm Beach County: 13 cases
- Pasco County: 2 cases
- Pinellas County: 3 cases
- Polk County: 3 cases
- Santa Rosa County: 3 cases
- Sarasota County: 3 cases
- Seminole County: 3 cases
- St. Lucie County: 3 cases
- Volusia County: 2 cases
Three cases met the criteria for severe dengue — dengue shock syndrome or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Those at greater risk for dengue shock syndrome or dengue hemorrhagic fever include those with previous dengue infection, pregnant women, infants and the elderly.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue is a viral disease caused by any of four related viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
People are infected through the bite of certain species of mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti, but also Aedes albopictus, both of which are present in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The mosquitoes are common in tropical and subtropical areas, and millions of dengue infections occur around the world every year, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
The most common dengue symptom is a high fever of 104 degrees, and any of the following signs:
- Headache
- Muscle, bone or joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Pain behind the eyes
- Swollen glands
Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, the CDC said.
Symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days.
Most people will recover after about a week but if you're feeling under the weather, get medical attention; don't wait, Williams said.
How does dengue fever spread?
The dengue virus spreads from person to person through the bite from an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito.
After a female mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus, there's an incubation period of 8 to 12 days. After that time, the mosquito can transmit the virus for the rest of their one-month life span, the CDC said.
Drain and cover: Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses
Preventing transmission is key, Williams said.
"The big thing is prevention. We're not in a crisis and it's not something to be freaking out about. In Florida, it's nothing unusual and as we get hotter and wetter, there are going to be more mosquitoes.
"Drain and cover is going to be gospel. Drain standing water every two to three days; every day is even better.
Also wear approved mosquito repellent. Repellent is not always the best for toddlers who put their hands in their mouths so cover up with summerweight materials. Use screens for your home, car and tent.
"You want to limit mosquitoes' ability to lay larvae and eliminate them getting to you."
If you think you don't have anything that needs to be drained, consider these:
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
- Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
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