Florida mosquito-control agencies are stepping up surveillance, inspections and spraying, as officials expect the number of locally acquired dengue fever cases in Tampa Bay and across the state to rise in the coming weeks.As of Sept.1, the number of dengue fever cases originating in Florida this year had climbed to 33 in Tampa Bay and 41 statewide.
Cases are predicted to increase, Fox 13 Tampa Bay reported.Locally acquired cases mean people contracted the illness where they live rather than while traveling abroad.DEADLY MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUS CLAIMS FIRST LIFE IN MAJOR US CITY AS CASES SPREADThe Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) reported 30 confirmed cases in Hillsborough County, seven in Miami-Dade County, three in Pinellas County and one in Palm Beach County.Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are under mosquito-borne illness alerts issued by the Florida Department of Health.Florida mosquito-control agencies are increasing surveillance, inspections and spraying as the state reports dozens of locally acquired dengue cases.(iStock)Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe aches, nausea, rash and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The virus is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America and Africa.
Though less common in the continental U.S., locally acquired cases have been recorded in Florida, California and Texas.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPHawaii has recorded past outbreaks, and the virus is common in the U.S.territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands and American Samoa.The CDC reported in May that 2024 was a record year for dengue in the U.S.Removing standing water around homes can help eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes that can transmit dengue.(iStock)A total of 3,798 cases were reported from U.S.
states and the District of Columbia, a 359% increase o...