Dengue fever warning issued in Florida Keys after confirmed cases

MIAMI – Health officials have issued a warning in the Florida Keys after two people were confirmed to have dengue fever.

The local warning comes days after the CDC issued a health warning Warning of an increased risk of dengue infections in the country.

The two confirmed dengue cases in the Keys were local infections, meaning the affected individuals did not become infected while traveling.

Locally transmitted dengue cases have also been reported in Miami-Dade County this year.

Two cases are required for a warning to be issued.

The most common symptoms of dengue fever are fever and one or more of the following: headache, eye pain, muscle, joint or bone pain, rash, nausea and vomiting, or unusual nose or gum bleeding.

According to experts, severe dengue fever can cause shock, internal bleeding and death.

If you or a family member experience any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor or local clinic.

To prevent the spread, health authorities recommend the following:

• Drain water from garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys,
Flower pots or other containers in which sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Dispose of old tires, barrels, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other
Items that are not used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not collect water.
• Keep swimming pools in good condition and chlorinate them accordingly.
Plastic swimming pools when not in use.