First Local Dengue Infection Confirmed In Miami-Dade: Florida DOH

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL — Miami-Dade County is under a mosquito-borne illness advisory after the first locally transmitted case of dengue infection this year was confirmed in the area, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County.

Dengue is a virus spread through mosquito bites, the agency said. Most infected with dengue have mild or no symptoms, while those who do develop symptoms usually recover within a week.

Common symptoms of dengue are fever and one or more of the following: headache; eye pain; muscle, joint or bone paint; rash; nausea and vomiting; or unusual bleeding.

Severe illness from dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding and death, the DOH-Miami-Dade said. Those who develop dengue symptoms should visit their health care provider or local clinic.

Just one in four people infected with dengue will get sick, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is no specific medicine to treat dengue, the agency added, suggesting that those who are sick rest, take acetaminophen to control the fever and relieve pain, and drink plenty of fluids.

Severe dengue impacts one in 20 people who fall ill, the CDC said. Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.

DOH-Miami-Dade offers county residents and visitors the following tips to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying and to protect their skin:

• Drain standing water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
• Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves, especially in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing, but not under clothing.
• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

The Florida Department of Health continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue. Florida residents are encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.