South Florida's Dengue Outbreak Resumes in 2023

The Florida Health Department reported on February 4, 2023, sixteen travel-associated and one locally acquired dengue cases have been confirmed this year.

In 2022, Florida reported 869 travel-associated and 68 locally-acquired dengue cases.

To alert residents of their potential health risks, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory in mid-2022.

Additionally, Broward County, which is located north of Miami, issued its mosquito-borne illness alert in 2022.

In the Region of the Americas, 46 countries and territories reported dengue cases in 2022.

Four different viruses cause dengue fever, and a person can be infected with each serotype during their lifetime.

Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

Most symptoms of dengue are mild and typically last 2–7 days. But, infections can turn severe.

The U.S. CDC says no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue exists.

However, one approved vaccine (Dengvaxia) is available in the U.S. on a limited basis.

And the U.K., Europe, and Indonesia have recently authorized the newer, less restrictive Qdenga® vaccine.