Dengue cases in the Upper Keys continue to grow with six new cases confirmed to the Florida Health Department in Monroe County, bringing the total to 22.
One case was confirmed on July 24 and four more a day later on July 25. Another was confirmed on July 28. Health officials say all indications show these infections were locally acquired. All individuals diagnosed with dengue have received medical treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.
Surveillance and prevention efforts by Florida Keys Mosquito Control District continue from MM 106 in Key Largo to Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. Staff continues to go door-to-door to check properties for standing water. Mosquito treatments continue to be applied.
Dengue can present as a severe flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and pain, fever and sometimes a rash. Usually, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of dengue will appear within 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The emergence of these dengue cases reinforces the importance for the public to prevent insect bites and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure. These measures include intact windows and screens and the use of air conditioning, keeping the area around your residence free from containers that collect water, wearing protective clothing and the appropriate use of insect repellents.
