By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Florida state health officials report the number of locally-transmitted dengue fever cases reported this year is up to 65, with the addition of nine reported in Monroe County last week.

Image/CDC

These cases were identified through retrospective case finding efforts to better characterize activity early in the outbreak.

Of the 65 local transmission cases, 64 have been reported in Monroe County (the Key Largo vicinity) and one in Miami-Dade County.

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) and Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) are working closely to continue surveillance and prevention efforts. FKMCD is assisting with these investigations and continue to intensifying mosquito control activities in the Key Largo (Upper Keys) Area.

In addition to the indigenous cases, 32 travel associated cases have been reported in 2020 to date.

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Dengue can present as a severe flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and pain, fever and sometimes a rash. Usually, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of Dengue will appear within 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The emergence of these Dengue cases reinforces the importance for the public to prevent insect bites and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure. These measures include intact windows and screens and the use of air conditioning, keeping the area around your residence free from containers that collect water, wearing protective clothing, and the appropriate use of insect repellents after applying sunscreen. Spray out outdoor plants on a regular basis, such as bromeliads and crotons. The Department also reminds all residents to drain all standing water at least once per week and designate individuals to share this key responsibility within the business or household.

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