MIAMI, Florida -- Miami-Dade County Health Department officials received
confirmation of the first locally acquired case of Dengue Fever in
Miami-Dade County.
The individual was diagnosed with Dengue Fever based on symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests. The individual fully recovered from this illness.
About Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is an important mosquito-borne disease worldwide. It is caused by four related dengue viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4) that are related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever. Globally, there are an estimated 50 to 100 million cases per year, and some 2.5 billion people could be at risk for dengue infection. The virus is found primarily in sub-tropical climates and is thought to be present in approximately 100 countries worldwide. Dengue infection is acquired through the bite of certain species of mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti, but also Aedes albopictus, both of which are present in Florida.
Dengue Fever Symptoms
Dengue fever is a painful,
debilitating disease but is rarely fatal. Symptoms appear 3-14 days after the
bite of an infected mosquito and include sudden onset of fever, severe headache,
eye pain, muscle and joint pain (giving the disease the nickname "breakbone
fever"), and bleeding. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may
also be present in some cases. Dengue fever symptoms usually lasts 4-7 days.
The disease is often diagnosed incorrectly because the symptoms are similar to
influenza and other viruses. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a rare but more severe
form of dengue infection that can be fatal if not recognized and treated with
supportive care. The primary risk factor for hemorrhagic fever is previous
infection with a different dengue serotype (i.e. getting DENV-2 if you have
already DENV-1 puts you at increased risk of hemorrhagic fever).
Image Credit: Florida Department of Health
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