Local health authorities have issued a dengue fever warning in the Florida Keys after discovering two locally acquired cases.
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed the mosquito-borne disease warning in Monroe County, where officials said two cases of locally acquired dengue fever have been reported, meaning those dengue virus (DENV) infections were not linked to travel.
Dengue viruses are transmitted through bites from mosquitoes that are typically found in tropical and subtropical climates. Due to climate change, which is causing higher temperatures worldwide, dengue cases are increasing worldwide.
Monroe County includes the islands of the Florida Keys, which are a popular summer tourist destination. State health officials said the Florida Health Department in Monroe County is working with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District to conduct surveillance and prevention efforts in response, including door-to-door mosquito inspections and mosquito treatments.
The warning was issued on June 29, just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned the public of an increased risk of dengue virus infections in the U.S. this year. CDC facts It turns out that 2,241 cases of dengue have been reported in the US states and territories so far this year.
The only locally acquired cases in the continental U.S. are in Florida, which has reported six. Puerto Rico has reported 1,484 locally acquired cases, and the U.S. Virgin Islands has reported six.
The remaining cases in the US were related to travel, the data shows.
The CDC says that about one in four people infected with the dengue virus will develop symptoms, resulting in mild or severe cases. A mild case may include pain, nausea, vomiting, fever or rash.
According to the CDC, about one in 20 people will develop a severe form of dengue, which is a medical emergency that can lead to shock, internal bleeding, or death.
