Florida Confirms Locally-Acquired Dengue Case

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) has received laboratory confirmation of a case of dengue virus infection. 

Announced on March 9, 2020, the DOH-Monroe reported all indications are that this infection was locally acquired. This individual has received medical treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

The DOH-Monroe and Florida Keys Mosquito Control District are working closely to continue surveillance and prevention efforts. They are currently conducting surveillance to identify any additional cases.

Most importantly, Florida has not confirmed additional dengue cases, as of March 16th.

During 2019, the state of Florida reported 16 cases of locally-acquired dengue fever. Additionally, there were 395 travel-associated cases reported.

Separately, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 1,203 dengue cases in the USA. This data includes 216 cases reported by the state of California.

During 2020, the dengue risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean have continued, says the latest Travel Alert issued by the CDC.

As of February 21st, the updated Level 1 Travel Alert said ‘various countries in the Americas are reporting increased numbers of dengue cases and travelers to these areas should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.’

Dengue is common in more than 100 countries around the world, and about 3 billion people live in areas with a risk of contracting 1 of dengue’s 4 virus types.

Dengue fever is not contagious; however, it is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue can become severe within a few hours. 

Severe Dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization. In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage, shock, organ failure, and death says the CDC.

Since there is no specific treatment for dengue infections, early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates to below 1 percent, says the CDC.

The Dengvaxia vaccine is the only approved dengue vaccine in the USA. It is indicated for the prevention of dengue disease caused by dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

But, Dengvaxia is not approved for use in individuals not previously infected by any of the dengue virus 4 serotypes or for whom their immunization information is unknown.

The CDC suggests people considering a dengue vaccination should speak with a qualified healthcare provider.

Dengue travel news is published by Vax-Before-Travel.