'Breakbone fever' poses risk to Florida as dengue cases mount in Puerto Rico
"Breakbone fever" sounds like something we'd all pray to avoid. But the disease caused by dengue viruses is spreading at a break-neck pace in Puerto Rico, which just declared a dengue epidemic, reaching at least 549 cases and 340 hospitalizations, according to the island’s health department.
Florida health officials are watching the situation closely to be on the lookout for any outbreaks here.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people, according to the World Health Organization. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
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According to the WHO, most people who contract dengue don't have any symptoms.
But for other the effects can be very painful, though rarely fatal, according to the Florida Department of Health. Symptoms appear 3-14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include sudden fever, severe headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain (giving the disease the nickname "breakbone fever"), bleeding, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
What's the risk of getting dengue in Florida and where do the cases come from?
Most people in Florida caught dengue while traveling. So far, there have been 77 travel-related dengue cases through March 23 of this year. Twenty-seven of the cases originated in Cuba, eight from Brazil, seven from both Colombia and from Dominican Republic, six from Mexico, and the rest from several Caribbean and Latin American nations.
How many dengue cases were acquired in Florida?
Four: Three cases in Miami-Dade County and one in Pasco County.
How many dengue cases have there been in Brevard this year?
As of March 23, there have been two travel-related cases in Brevard County.
What's the treatment if I get dengue?
There is no treatment, but quick recognition and management of symptoms and complications is effective at preventing deaths, FDOH says. "There is currently no vaccine for dengue and the research has been challenging due to variation in the four viral types, but multiple vaccine candidates are currently in development," FDOH's website says.
Is the risk of dengue increasing over the long-term in Florida?
Yes, according to some recent studies. Scientists warn the risk of zika, dengue and other deadly diseases spread by the "yellow fever" mosquito — nearly eradicated decades ago — are increasing because of climate change. But a new study by University of Florida and colleagues suggests scientists don't know nearly as much as they thought they knew about this potentially deadly mosquito's patterns, so they may be vastly underestimating the disease risk in some areas, while overestimating risk in other areas.
What about West Nile?
So far, one sentinel chickens in Brevard County has tested positive for the antibodies to West Nile virus, according to FDOH's most recent report, which runs through March 23. But five chickens tested positive last year.
How dangerous is West Nile virus?
Most people can fend it off, but older people and those with compromised immune systems, diabetes, heart disease or other health problems are at greater risk for more serious illness.
Most of those infected suffer only a slight headache. Other symptoms can include high fever, severe headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes, digestive problems, eye pain, aches, weakness, back pain, stiff neck, confusion and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, the virus can cause encephalitis — a potentially fatal swelling of the brain — or swelling of the spinal chord or tissues surrounding the brain and spinal chord.
What about malaria?
Twelve cases of malaria with onset in 2024 have been reported in individuals in Florida with a travel history to malaria-endemic areas. Counties reporting cases were: Broward, Collier, Escambia, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach and Pinellas. One case was reported in a non-Florida resident.
What can residents do to prepare?
Repair screens and eliminate water-holding containers. Check with the veterinarian to ensure horses are up to date on West Nile and eastern equine encephalitis vaccinations and that pets are protected from heartworm.
Where can I learn more about dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases?
Visit the Florida Department of Health's website.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Dengue, 'breakbone fever' is a growing risk to Florida
