After a surge in dengue cases, Florida officials issued a new public health alert for mosquito-borne diseases. At least 10 people have been infected in the state so far.
The State Department of Health and Human Services has now issued a disease alert for Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale.
It is the second county after Miami-Dade to receive a warning about the spread of the virus.
Two community-acquired dengue cases were detected in Broward County this year, according to the Department’s latest surveillance report.
Authorities are aware of a total of 10 locally transmitted cases of the virus within Sunshine State.
The mosquito-borne virus is also known as breakbone fever because it causes fever, muscle and joint pain.
Americans have traditionally contracted dengue during international travel to dengue-endemic areas, making the spread of new cases within the country unusual.
In total, Florida has reported nearly 200 cases of dengue infection in persons who have traveled to such areas.
Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquito bites and poses a greater risk to pregnant women, infants, the elderly, people with co-morbidities, and those who have had previous dengue fever.
Dengue symptoms usually last 4 to 7 days.
