Florida health officials have issued a warning about a rise in cases of dengue fever, a viral infection that spreads through mosquito bites. The Florida Department of Health reported 10 locally acquired cases this year, eight in Miami-Dade County and two in Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale.
Dengue fever is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, where the virus is present in the local mosquito population. About half of the world’s population lives in areas with a risk of dengue, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus can cause symptoms such as muscle or joint pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting or rash. Most people recover within one week, but some may develop severe complications that can be fatal.
The WHO also warned that global warming could prompt a record number of dengue infections worldwide, as higher temperatures and precipitation increase the breeding and survival of mosquitoes. The agency estimated that about 100 to 400 million cases are reported every year, with an eight-fold increase since 2000.
Florida health officials advised residents and visitors to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using repellents. They also urged people to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as buckets, tires, flower pots and birdbaths.
