Florida health officials issue alerts as local dengue cases rise

Health officials in Florida have issued alerts following a rise in locally acquired dengue cases across several counties. As of mid-August, the Florida Department of Health reported 23 locally acquired infections statewide. Specific counties reporting cases include Hillsborough, Pinellas, Miami-Dade, and Pasco.

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms often include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, rash, and intense muscle and joint pain, sometimes referred to as ‘break-bone fever’. While the CDC notes most dengue cases in the continental United States are travel-related, local transmission is possible due to the presence of capable mosquito species.

Medical experts note that early symptoms of dengue can be difficult to distinguish from other mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and chikungunya. All three can present with fever, headache, and body aches in their initial stages. While dengue is characterized by sudden high fever and potential pain behind the eyes, chikungunya is specifically noted for severe joint pain that may persist for months.