By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In a follow-up on the autochthonous dengue transmission in the state of Florida this year, health officials in Miami-Dade County reported an additional locally acquired case.

This is the fourth case of the year, with the other three reported in March and July (2). Health officials say the four local cases do not appear to be related.

ACLS Guide to Dengue Fever

Aedes aegypti/CDC

Dengue is a virus spread through mosquito bites through the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes which also spread chikungunya and Zika virus. Most people infected with dengue have mild or no symptoms. Those that do develop symptoms recover after about one week.

The common symptoms of dengue are fever and one or more of the following symptoms: headache; eye pain (typically behind the eyes); muscle, joint, or bone pain; rash; nausea and vomiting; or unusual bleeding (nose or gum bleed, small red spots under the skin, or unusual bruising). Severe dengue can occur resulting in shock, internal bleeding, and death. If you or a family member develop the mentioned symptoms, visit your health care provider or local clinic.

In addition to the four local cases in Miami-Dade, Florida has reported 154 travel-associated cases in 2019 (87 in Miami-Dade).


DOH-Miami-Dade continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to “Drain and Cover.

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water 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.

Naegleria fowleri case reported in Texas

COVER skin with clothing or repellent.

  • Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
    • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.
    • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

  • Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.