WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A rise in dengue fever cases has prompted Florida officials to issue a health alert for the mosquito-borne illness.
The latest information from the state is that more cases are popping up in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. So far, there have been a total of 10 cases directly from mosquito bites in Florida.
Experts said the bites come from a mosquito species that tends to bite humans during the day time.
There is no fast cure and it just takes about a week to get over the rough symptoms.
"When you get it, it's called 'breakbone fever' because it makes your bones hurt so much," infectious disease specialist Dr. Larry Bush said. "So, the major symptoms are fever and severe headache behind the eyes. You may get swollen glands and, as the fever decreases, you may get a rash."
This alert comes after reported cases of malaria first reported in June.
Seven cases of malaria were reported in Florida this year. Malaria is caused by a parasite that spreads through mosquito bites. If left untreated, infected people can develop severe complications and die.
Health officials said individuals should use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and control mosquitoes inside and outside the home in order to prevent mosquito bites and avoid the spread of dengue fever and malaria.
