Health alert issued in the Florida Keys due to dengue fever cases

Health officials have issued a dengue fever alert in the Florida Keys after two locally acquired cases were confirmed, prompting concerns about the spread of the mosquito-borne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously issued a national advisory about the increased risk of dengue virus infections in the United States. The total number of dengue cases reported in the U.S. this year has reached 2,241, with a significant portion in Puerto Rico, where a public health emergency was declared earlier this year due to a surge in cases exceeding historical figures. Internationally, the incidence of dengue fever has reached record levels, particularly in Latin American countries, with over 9.7 million cases reported in 2024, double the number from the previous year. The rise in dengue infections has been attributed to increasingly hot temperatures, creating favorable conditions for mosquitoes that transmit the virus. Symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe, with about 1 in 20 cases developing into severe dengue, which can be life-threatening and require hospitalization. Local efforts to combat the spread of dengue fever include mosquito control measures such as using drones to target hard-to-reach areas and applying larvicide granules to prevent mosquito breeding. Health officials advise residents to eliminate standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The key message is to "Fight the Bite, Drain and Cover" to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of dengue transmission. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as headache, muscle or joint pain, rash, or other signs of dengue fever are urged to seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate care and treatment.