Florida health officials have declared a state of emergency after an outbreak of a mosquito-borne illness. As reported by the New York Post, the fever has been nicknamed "breakbone fever".
The disease in question is dengue fever. Recent outbreaks have been seen in places like Brazil and China, but concerns have been raised in recent years as it has become more common in the US.
The Florida Department of Health has explained that the number of "locally acquired" cases has skyrocketed in recent weeks. They've reported 190 separate cases as well as one death in counties across Florida.
These numbers are the second highest ever reported in the state, being topped by 2023's 199 cases. The CDC said about previous outbreaks:
"Although these introductions did not lead to larger outbreaks in the continental United States, they indicate an increasing risk for locally acquired cases, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance, vector control, and public health preparedness and response efforts with competent mosquito vectors."
The most cases have come from the Pinellas and Miami-Dade counties, with them each reporting at least 50 cases each. Most of the cases come from people who have recently travelled to high-risk regions across the world.
Videos by Wide Open Country
What is "Breakbone Fever", or Dengue Fever?
According to the World Health Organization, dengue fever is a disease that is spread by affected Aedes mosquitos. The mosquitos are found in tropical areas of the world.
Not everyone who gets dengue fever experiences symptoms. However, those who do experience the following symptoms:
High fever above 104F; severe headache; pain behind the eyes; muscle and joint pains; nausea; vomiting; swollen glands; and rash.
However, those who are infected for a second time are those who are at the most risk. This is where the disease gets more deadly, and where the nickname of "breakbone fever" originates. These symptoms are:
Severe abdominal pain; persistent vomiting; rapid breathing; bleeding gums or nose; fatigue; restlessness; blood in vomit or stool; being very thirsty; pale and cold skin; and feeling weak.
We hope that the outbreak of this disease is limited as much as it can be, and no one else dies from it.
