Florida has recorded 485 dengue infections believed to have been acquired locally this year, marking its largest outbreak in decades, state health officials say.
Surveillance data showed 60 additional cases between Oct. 18 and 24. About 95% of the locally acquired infections reported statewide have been in the Tampa Bay area, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties declared emergencies in late September. The declarations allow officials to speed up purchases and mosquito spraying and seek reimbursement from state and federal agencies. Hillsborough County has extended its local emergency as transmission continues.
The locally acquired cases are separate from more than 300 dengue infections linked to travel that Florida has reported this year.
Mosquito control teams are increasing targeted spraying from the ground and air, along with inspections of properties in affected areas.
Dengue is a viral disease spread mainly by bites from infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It can cause fever, intense muscle and joint pain, nausea and a rash. In severe cases, it may lead to dangerous complications or death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Unlike many mosquitoes, which are most active around dawn and dusk, the species that spread dengue can bite during the day. They also do well in warm, humid residential areas, an insect expert has previously noted.
Public health officials say these mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of standing water—sometimes as little as a tablespoon. Residents are being urged to check their yards each week and empty or cover birdbaths, gutters, planters, old tires and other outdoor containers.
Many people with dengue have mild symptoms or none at all, and most recover within two weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. When symptoms develop, they usually begin four to 10 days after an infectious bite.
Severe dengue can worsen quickly, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours after a fever subsides. Warning signs include ongoing vomiting, intense abdominal pain, trouble breathing, bleeding from mucous membranes and extreme tiredness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
