Florida Heath Department Issues Dengue Fever Alert

MONROE COUNTY, Florida- The Florida Department of Health Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) has confirmed two cases of locally-acquired dengue fever. 

Dengue fever, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, presents symptoms similar to the flu, such as severe muscle aches, joint pain, fever, and occasionally a rash. 

Unlike the flu, dengue fever does not cause respiratory symptoms. Symptoms typically appear within 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Importantly, dengue fever is not contagious from person to person.

DOH-Monroe advises residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and ensuring windows and doors have screens.

In addition to dengue, the Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for other mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and chikungunya. 

Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.