Palm Beach Now Under Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory

According to a recent Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach) announcement, the county is now under a Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory after confirming a locally acquired dengue case.

On September 12, 2024, DOH-Palm Beach and the Mosquito Control Division of Palm Beach County informed residents they are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts by surveilling and treating the affected area. They are also reminding the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Just 70 miles south, Dade County has reported 22 locally acquired dengue cases this year and has been under a mosquito-borne illness alert for over one year.

As of September 18, 2024, Florida has reported 35 locally acquired and 515 travel-associated dengue cases this year. Many travel-related cases have been confirmed among visitors from Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other countries.

Florida continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including chikungunya.

A seventh chikungunya case, with an onset in 2024, has been reported in individuals with a travel history to Brazil (5) and India (2). Florida counties reporting chikungunya cases were Broward, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Pinellas.

As of September 18, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Canada, and the United Kingdom have not issued vaccination requirements for visitors to Florida.

Research indicates about 135 million people visited Florida last year. Of these travelers, 8 million traveled from overseas, and 3.8 million traveled from Canada.

While dengue vaccines are no longer offered in the United States, the IXCHIQ® single-dose chikungunya vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year and is now offered at many travel clinics and pharmacies throughout the U.S.