Miami-Dade Health Department reports locally acquired dengue case
A dengue infection acquired within Miami-Dade County was confirmed, prompting health officials to advise mosquito bite prevention measures.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue on Friday and notified residents and visitors. The department is working with Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control to conduct surveillance and implement prevention and control actions.
Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, typically produces flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, and occasionally a rash; respiratory symptoms are rare. Symptoms usually appear within 14 days after a bite, and the disease does not spread directly from person to person.
Officials advise the public to use standard mosquito protection measures, including repellents and eliminating standing water. The agency continues statewide monitoring for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue. Residents are also asked to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
People experiencing relevant symptoms are instructed to call the Miami-Dade health department at 305-324-2400 for guidance.