kaymoreno507 September 01, 2024

Dengue Fever Cases On The Rise In Southwest Florida

Dengue Fever Cases on the Rise in Southwest Florida

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe flu-like illness.

It is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is common in tropical and subtropical regions.

Symptoms of dengue fever typically develop within 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include:

Southwest Florida has seen a rise in dengue fever cases in recent months, with several cases reported in Collier, Lee, and Miami-Dade counties.

Health officials are urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and avoid exposure to the virus.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for dengue fever, so prevention is key.

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of infection:

Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Install screens on windows and doors.
Eliminate standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can breed.

If you experience symptoms of dengue fever, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.