What to know about dengue fever as Florida reports 1st death and cases rise

Florida health officials have confirmed the state’s first death from dengue fever this year as numbers of the mosquito borne illness climb toward record levels. While the Florida Department of Health kept specific details confidential to protect the patient’s privacy, reports indicate that the deceased was an eighty year old woman from Tampa who passed away on September fourth. The fatality comes amid a worrying spike in local transmissions, particularly within Hillsborough County, which has seen the vast majority of recent infections.

Data reveals that Florida has confirmed 152 locally acquired cases as of mid September, putting the current surge dangerously close to the total count seen throughout all of 2023. Beyond Tampa, several other regions including Miami Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco and Pinellas counties have also reported positive cases. Experts attribute the spread to Aedes species mosquitoes, which thrive in tropical climates and are also known for carrying Zika and chikungunya viruses.

For many people, dengue manifests as a mild illness lasting up to a week with symptoms like fever, rashes and intense joint or muscle pain. However, roughly five percent of those infected develop severe dengue, a dangerous progression that can cause internal bleeding and shock. Because there is currently no widely available vaccine or specific antiviral treatment in the United States, medical professionals rely on supportive care such as hydration and rest. Doctors specifically warn against taking aspirin or ibuprofen during an infection because these medications can increase the risk of bleeding.

To combat the rising tide of cases, public health officials are urging residents to take proactive measures against mosquito bites. This includes wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and utilizing effective insect repellents. Perhaps most importantly, citizens are encouraged to empty containers of stagnant water around their homes to destroy breeding grounds for mosquitoes before they can multiply further during the humid season.