As dengue cases skyrocket in the country, the Florida Department of Health has reported that two people contracted the mosquito-borne illness last week in Miami-Dade County, bringing the total number of cases detected this year to 16.
Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties are under a mosquito-borne illness alert, according to the state’s latest arbovirus surveillance report, which includes information about cases reported between July 14 and 20. During the same week, a person found out they had West Nile virus while trying to donate blood.
While 16 people have contracted dengue in the state, there have been 278 cases from people who traveled abroad. DOH reported 18 of those travel-related cases last week.
Last year, Miami-Dade was a hotbed for dengue, with 156 out of the 176 Florida cases taking place in the county, according to the last arbovirus report of 2023.
West Nile virus has only been detected in two asymptomatic blood donors this year, meaning that the people didn’t have health complications from the illness. However, health officials know the virus is present in Duval, Hillsborough, Polk, St. Lucie, and Walton counties because chickens used to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses have tested positive for West Nile virus antibodies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an advisory on June 25 about the increased risk of dengue infections. Aside from Puerto Rico, Florida is the state with the highest number of dengue cases this year, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of dengue last two to seven days and include pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. The best way to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses is to use insect repellent and wear loose-fitting clothes that cover all limbs. Approximately one in 20 people who contract dengue can get severe symptoms such as internal bleeding that can result in death, according to the CDC.
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