Dengue Fever Outbreak In Key West

After a recent study, the CDC fears an outbreak of dengue fever in Key West, Florida. The study found that over 5% of residents have been exposed to the virus which causes dengue fever. The CDC tested random samples of Key West residents following three confirmed cases of dengue fever last summer. By the end of 2009 there were 27 confirmed cases. Prior to that, there had been a dengue fever case in the area in over 40 years. There has not been an outbreak in Florida since 1934. The disease was largely eradicated in the United States in the 1940′s.

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness carried by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, a very common mosquito in South Florida. The dengue illness could trigger fevers of over 104 degrees, as well as sever aching and pain, nausea, rashes, and fatigue. In severe cases, dengue fever can cause internal bleeding and sudden death. Though it’s been rare in the United States, Dengue fever is the most common disease transmitted by mosquitoes worldwide, affecting up to 1 million people a year and causing over 25,000 deaths.

The CDC study was based on 240 random samples, of which 5% were found to be infected or exposed. That translates to over 1,000 potentially exposed in the area. The CDC has to determine how widespread the outbreak is and if it stretches to other areas of the United States. There is no specific medication to treat dengue fever. The CDC is advising area residents to use mosquito repellent in hopes of combating the potential spread of dengue fever.