Health Officials Warn of Dengue Virus Outbreak Spreading in Several Florida Counties

Florida health officials are concerned about the rapid spread of the Dengue virus in several counties.

According to reports, Broward County has joined Miami-Dade County in being closely monitored for mosquito-borne illnesses.

The Florida Department of Health highlighted two locally transmitted dengue cases in Broward County from July 30 to August 5 in its recent arbovirus surveillance report.

These cases add to the ten local dengue infections reported in the state this year, with most occurring in Miami-Dade County, mainly in July.

The department has been diligent in identifying virus strains, using PCR-based serotyping on the 10 cases reported.

However, this year’s surge is concerning when compared to last year’s two locally acquired dengue cases in Broward County.

It’s been noted that nearly 200 reported cases this year are among people who recently traveled to dengue-prone regions.

The outbreak’s impact reaches beyond state residents, evident in the engagement of non-Florida residents in ten reported cases.  Additionally, a solitary point that qualifies as severe dengue is a strong reminder of the potentially grave outcomes of the disease.

Certain groups, like those with previous dengue infections, pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions, are more susceptible.  The CDC is closely monitoring, with 225 cases reported across multiple US states this year.  Dengue virus disease has been nationally notifiable since 2010.