What to Know About the Dengue Outbreak in the U.S.
The mosquito-borne disease is spreading more than usual in Florida.
The recent dengue outbreak in Hillsborough County, Florida has prompted a state of emergency declaration. This year, around 485 cases have been reported in the state, with one death, according to the CDC. While seasonal outbreaks are not uncommon in Florida, this incident involves more local transmission than usual.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti species. Most Americans contract the infection while traveling abroad. Symptoms, which can appear 5-7 days after a mosquito bite, include severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Recovery typically takes about a week.
In areas where Aedes aegypti thrive, such as southern Florida, infected individuals can transmit the disease locally. While dengue is usually just a mild illness, a second infection can lead to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. There is currently no vaccine available for dengue in the U.S., although one was previously discontinued due to low demand.
Prevention strategies include avoiding mosquito bites by using screens, wearing long sleeves, applying mosquito repellent, and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds by keeping yards free of standing water. While cooler weather may reduce transmission this season, vigilance is still necessary.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
