Florida Confirms Dengue Case in Broward

Florida health officials have confirmed a human case of locally acquired dengue fever in Broward County. This confirmation has led to the issuance of a mosquito-borne illness advisory for the county.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County, in coordination with Broward County Mosquito Control, is actively engaged in surveillance and prevention efforts. Details regarding the infected individual, such as age, gender, the severity of their illness, and their specific location within Broward County, remain unknown.

This situation arises as Florida has recently experienced one of its most significant dengue outbreaks in decades. Hillsborough County has reported the majority of these cases, including a fatality involving an elderly woman in Tampa.

Dengue fever is transmitted solely through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito and is not contagious between people. Symptoms can manifest up to 14 days after a bite and typically include flu-like symptoms such as severe muscle and joint pain, high fever, and sometimes a rash, but generally not respiratory issues.

To mitigate the risk of transmission, health authorities are advising residents to adopt preventive measures. These include wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing, utilizing EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing, eliminating standing water sources where mosquitoes can breed, and ensuring that screens on windows and doors are in good repair.

Individuals experiencing symptoms are encouraged to contact DOH-Broward directly at 954-213-0710 for guidance.