Introduction to Dengue Virus
Miami-Dade County has reported the most cases of dengue, a virus that spreads through the bite of an affected mosquito, in 2024 across the 50 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of May 24, the county has reported a total of 74 cases, about 41% of Florida’s 180 cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Cases of Dengue in Florida
Only seven of these cases were acquired locally. The rest are travel-associated, CDC data shows.
Broward County has reported 30 cases so far this year.
Fifty-four of the cases of dengue in Florida were reported in people who had traveled to Cuba no more than two weeks before their symptoms started, and 38 in people who had traveled to Brazil, the health department said.
Dengue Cases Across the United States
With 114 cases, New York is the state with the second-most infections as of May 21, according to the CDC. None were acquired locally.
Puerto Rico reports the most infections among all U.S. jurisdictions with over 1,000 cases, CDC data shows.
Symptoms of Dengue
The CDC says dengue symptoms usually start within a few days of being bitten but can take up to two weeks to develop.
Symptoms can include:
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- rash
- headache
- eye pain
- joint and muscle pain
“In severe cases, dengue can cause shock, internal bleeding, and even death,” the CDC states.
Conclusion
The high number of dengue cases in Miami-Dade County and other parts of Florida highlights the importance of taking preventive measures against mosquito bites, especially for those traveling to areas where dengue is common. By being aware of the symptoms and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting the virus.
FAQs
Q: What is dengue?
A: Dengue is a virus that spreads through the bite of an affected mosquito.
Q: What are the symptoms of dengue?
A: Symptoms of dengue include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, eye pain, and joint and muscle pain.
Q: How can I prevent dengue?
A: You can prevent dengue by taking measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
Q: Where are the most cases of dengue reported?
A: The most cases of dengue are reported in Puerto Rico, with over 1,000 cases.
Q: Is dengue fatal?
A: In severe cases, dengue can cause shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
