Dengue fever cases reported in Florida Keys

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District has activated its mosquito-borne disease response plan and intensified mosquito control operations in Key Largo and Upper Matecumbe Key, the organization announced Monday.

The move comes after the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County reported on Saturday that two people recently tested positive for dengue fever, a disease spread by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 91 cases have been reported in Miami-Dade County; 30 in Broward County; and 13 have been reported in Palm Beach County so far in 2024.

A CDC spokesperson said dengue fever symptoms include:

• High fever

• Headaches

• Body aches

• Nausea

• Rash

Over 191 cases have been reported in the state of Florida as of last month.

The World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency in March.

Dengue remains less common in the continental United States, but in the 50 states so far this year there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year. Most were infections that travelers got abroad, and officials note there is no evidence of a current outbreak. But they also warn that local mosquitos pose a threat.

There is no widely available medicine for treating dengue infections.

According to an FKMCD news release, upon notification of any potential mosquito-borne disease cases, the organization implements enhanced control measures, including:

• “Door-to-door inspections and treatments of residences and businesses, with immediate treatment of any adult or larval mosquitoes found.

• Truck and/or aerial larvicide and adulticide treatments throughout the affected areas.

• Placement of mosquito traps to monitor the Aedes aegypti population, with collected mosquitoes tested for diseases.”

Health officials also say public awareness “is crucial in combating mosquito-borne diseases.”

“The Department of Health has in fact declared that physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers be very alert for this,” said FIU Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Aileen Marty. “You develop these symptoms three days to 14 days after you have been exposed to mosquitoes.”

Property owners can help by “eliminating standing water, turning over and removing empty pots, buckets, trash cans, recycle bins pet bowls and children’s toys,” the release stated.

Residents are encouraged to check tarps, gutters and regularly flush fresh water that is used to pour into plants and bird baths.

“Homeowners can prevent mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using mosquito repellents containing Deet,” and ensuring doors and windows are closed and screens are intact, FKMCD officials say.

Marty says that if you are experiencing dengue fever, do not take aspirin or ibuprofen only take Tylenol and suggests if you have severe symptoms, to go seek medical attention immediately.”

Local 10 News reporter Janine Stanwood contributed to this story.