Florida officials warn of ‘wildly unusual’ disease outbreak, declare state of emergency - New York Post
Florida health officials have declared a state of emergency following a significant rise in locally acquired dengue fever cases. The outbreak, which has caused 190 infections and one death, is considered highly unusual for the region.
Why it matters
The increase in locally acquired cases of this mosquito-borne illness highlights growing public health risks and the need for improved vector control in the continental United States.
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A mosquito-borne illness that’s typically found in other countries has reached a new high in the US.
Florida health officials have declared a local state of emergency over dengue fever , nicknamed “breakbone fever” for causing such agonizing pain in the joints and bones that they feel like they’re breaking.
The viral illness has become more common in the US in recent years.
The Florida Department of Health has reported 190 locally acquired cases and one death of dengue fever. Getty Images The Florida Department of Health has reported 190 locally acquired cases and one death across several counties, including Pinellas County in St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County in Tampa.
“This is wildly unusual for us,” Chris Wilkerson, a spokesperson for Hillsborough County, told ABC News .
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