Two cases of locally acquired dengue fever – a mosquito-borne disease – have been confirmed. Florida KeysThe health department in Monroe County, Florida, made the announcement earlier this week.
The notice said the Monroe Health Department and the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) are increasing surveillance and containment efforts as cases are reported.
These measures include door-to-door inspection. Mosquito Inspection Enhanced trapping and surveillance in the area, and aerial and truck-applied larvicide and edulicide treatments have been put in place.
Tiger mosquito blamed for spread of dengue fever: ‘Most aggressive species’
Dengue fever may be caused by flu-like symptoms According to the alert, these include severe muscle pain, joint pain, fever and rashes.
Dengue fever is not contagious and can only be spread by An infected mosquito. Symptoms may appear within 14 days of the bite.
Two local cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever have been confirmed in the Florida Keys. (iStock)
DOH-Monroe reminded residents to take basic precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including applying mosquito repellent on skin and clothing, installing nets on windows, using air conditioning at home, and keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible.
Understanding the seriousness of the mosquito-borne disease dengue
The FKMCD also issued a statement encouraging property owners to prevent mosquito breeding by removing standing water.
This can be done by turning over and removing empty pots, buckets, trash cans, recycling bins, pet bowls, and children’s toys that tend to collect water.
Wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent can help prevent mosquito bites. (iStock)
The group recommended checking of tarpaulins as well boats or other equipment, Also clean the drains to ensure they are free of debris.
Property owners are also encouraged to keep fresh water circulating through hanging plants and birdbath containers.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Florida Department of Health for additional comment.
“There is currently no vaccine against the mosquito-borne virus in the United States, nor is there any treatment available for it.”
“Personal protection is people’s best bet for preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and vector-borne diseases more broadly,” University of Nebraska Medical Center epidemiologist Joe Fauver, PhD, told Fox News Digital.
“There is currently no vaccine against the mosquito-borne virus in the United States, nor is there any treatment available for it.”
highest on record
Just prior to the local Florida outbreak, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an official warning Health Advice The risk of dengue fever infection increases.
Mysterious illness caused by tick bites may affect thousands, yet many doctors are unaware of it
The global incidence of dengue in 2024 will be the highest on record, the agency said June 25.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded more than 7.6 million dengue fever infections globally in the first four months of 2024.
Global health agencies have reported high numbers of dengue fever infections in 2024. (iStock)
The C.D.C. advised health care providers Keep an eye on the symptoms of dengue and get appropriate diagnostic tests done.
during an appearance Fox Business’ “Varney & Co.” On Tuesday, Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said the infections are considered “alarming” but not at the level of “another pandemic.”
CDC warns about rise in mosquito-borne virus cases
“It is endemic in many tropical and warm countries,” he said.
According to the doctor, dengue fever, which has spread to about 38 states in the US, can come with eye pain and rashes.
Florida officials say the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is responsible for dengue infections. (iStock)
Although tests are available, Makary confirmed there is no known treatment for dengue.
“This is a good reminder to do everything you can to reduce mosquito bites, especially in the southern U.S., where it’s more common,” he advised.
‘Aggressive’ and ‘aggressive’ mosquitoes
While Florida officials have blamed the yellow fever (Aedes aegypti) mosquito for spreading dengue, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) previously warned that tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) can also spread the infection.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
Elitza Thiel, PhD, director of the Mayo Clinic laboratories in Minnesota, confirmed that tiger mosquitoes are a “known vector” for dengue fever and can spread the virus to individuals who have not been previously infected.
“This mosquito species is concerning for a number of reasons, including that it is considered the most invasive species in the world,” he told Fox News Digital last month.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
The expert said that as temperatures rise, mosquito species are moving northwards globally.
“Tiger mosquitoes are extremely aggressive, biting both humans and animals at any time of the day, not just in the morning or evening, which is common for other mosquito species,” Thiel warns.
According to experts, Aedes albopictus, known as the “tiger” mosquito, can survive even in cold weather. (iStock)
Fauver warned that the tiger mosquito can spread several “problematic arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses)”, including dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
“Mosquitoes normally feed on and drink blood from humans, so they could potentially be exposed to these arboviruses,” he told Fox News Digital.
Click here to get the Fox News app
,aedes albopictus aedes albopictus It is an invasive species and is currently rapidly expanding its range and establishing populations in areas where it previously did not exist, including Europe and the Americas.”
health officials claimed that Climate change One of the factors contributing to the spread of these insects is.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Ruddy contributed to this report.
