Florida health officials sound alarm on Dengue spread in Broward County

Broward County, Florida – The Florida Department of Health has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Broward County due to the rising number of dengue virus cases.

Broward County, which encompasses Fort Lauderdale, follows Miami-Dade County in this concern, further underlining the expanding reach of the illness.

During the period of July 30 to August 5, the Department’s arbovirus surveillance report highlighted two instances of dengue acquired locally in Broward County. To date, Florida has recorded 10 such cases this year, predominantly in Miami-Dade County. It is worth noting that the bulk of these cases emerged in July.

The department clarified, “Ten cases have been serotyped by PCR.”

In a retrospective observation, the department stated that “In 2022, there were two locally acquired dengue cases.”

A significant number, approximately 200 cases, have been identified this year in individuals who had traveled to dengue-prevalent regions within two weeks before the onset of symptoms. Among these, 10 cases involved individuals not residing in Florida, and one of those cases was classified as severe dengue.

Though dengue is typically absent in Florida, it can be introduced by travelers who return infected. Subsequently, local mosquitoes can contract and transmit the virus. Individuals particularly vulnerable to dengue comprise those with a prior infection, pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. However, it’s imperative to understand that severe symptoms can manifest even in those without any evident risk factors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that 225 cases of dengue have been reported throughout the U.S. this year. Since 2010, dengue has been recognized as a nationally notifiable condition.