Florida health officials have confirmed 485 locally acquired dengue fever cases this year, with the majority of infections concentrated in the Tampa Bay area.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Florida health officials have confirmed 485 locally acquired cases of dengue fever this year, marking what is described as the state's largest outbreak in decades.
According to the Florida Department of Health, the Tampa Bay area accounts for roughly 95% of all locally acquired cases recorded statewide. Between Oct. 18 and Oct. 24, state surveillance logged 60 new infections.
In late September, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties issued emergency declarations. These declarations allow for faster purchasing and spraying, as well as requests for state and federal reimbursement. Hillsborough County has extended its state of local emergency due to ongoing transmission.
The Florida Mosquito Control Association stated that mosquito abatement teams are increasing targeted ground spraying, aerial applications, and localized property inspections.
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus can cause fever, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea, rash, and, in severe cases, dangerous complications or death.
An entomologist spokesperson at the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health told Fox News Digital, “The Aedes mosquitoes that can transmit dengue are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments like those found in Florida.”
Public health officials noted that Aedes mosquitoes are “container breeders,” requiring as little as a tablespoon of standing water to lay eggs. Officials have urged residents to inspect yards weekly and drain or cover items such as birdbaths, gutters, planters, discarded tires, and outdoor containers.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most people infected with dengue experience mild or no symptoms and typically recover within two weeks. Symptoms usually surface four to 10 days after an infectious bite. Severe dengue can progress rapidly within 24 to 48 hours after the initial fever drops.
Warning signs that require immediate emergency medical care include:
Health authorities recommend using EPA-registered repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and wearing loose-fitting, light-colored long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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