Florida Reports More Than 250 Locally Acquired Dengue Cases

Health officials in the US state of Florida have reported more than 250 locally acquired cases of dengue fever so far this year, drawing attention to the signs of infection and ways to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

Dengue is a viral infection spread mainly through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Locally acquired cases indicate transmission within the community rather than infection picked up while travelling abroad.

Symptoms can include a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and a rash. Some infections cause mild symptoms or none at all, while others can develop into severe illness.

Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding or rapid breathing require urgent medical attention. Warning signs can appear as the fever subsides, so a falling temperature does not always mean recovery. Anyone who suspects dengue should seek medical advice and avoid aspirin or ibuprofen because they can increase bleeding risk.

Prevention centres on avoiding mosquito bites and removing breeding sites. Using insect repellent as directed, wearing clothing that covers the skin and keeping window and door screens intact can help. Regularly emptying standing water from containers around homes also reduces places where mosquitoes can lay eggs.