Mosquito-spread Dengue virus reported in Alabama, Florida

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WTVY) – Dengue fever, a blood-borne infection transmitted by mosquitos, has been reported in Alabama – as well as in Florida and Georgia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, patients from Alabama and Georgia caught the virus while traveling outside the U.S. However, some cases in Florida were caught locally.

Currently, Florida has had more than 170 cases and is the only state to have localized cases so far this year.

Dengue infection occurs after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. It cannot be spread from person to person.

Mosquitos that spread dengue are the same kind that spread the Zika and chikungunya viruses.

Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, nose bleeding, gums bleeding, and easy bruising.

When the fever declines, symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.

While there is no vaccine or medication for preventing or treating dengue fever, the Alabama Department of Public Health says a healthcare provider can effectively treat it with fluid replacement therapy.

More severe cases of dengue fever may require hospitalization.

Those who believe they may have contracted dengue fever should only use pain relievers with acetaminophen. Due to the risk of bleeding, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) should be avoided.

The best way to prevent the spread of dengue fever is to eliminate areas where mosquitos lay eggs. Typically, these are artificial containers holding water, like buckets used to collect rainwater or unclean water troughs for livestock.

Other ways to aid in prevention include screens on windows and doors and using mosquito repellents when outdoors.

As of May 29, 2024, Alabama has reported one case of dengue fever. Georgia has had twelve. Florida has reported seven locally caught cases and over 170 total.

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