The first locally acquired case of Dengue Fever in Miami-Dade in 2014 has been confirmed, state health officials said Wednesday.
The patient was diagnosed based on symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests and has fully recovered from the illness, the Florida Department of Health said in a statement.
More details on the case will be given at an afternoon news conference.
Dengue Fever is a viral disease transmitted by a mosquito common the southeastern U.S. and the tropics. It is not spread person to person. Symptoms include a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint and bone pain, rash, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Officials say there is no medication or vaccine for the fever, but residents should take measures to guard against the disease. They include: draining standing water, discarding old tires, buckets and other items that aren't in use. Cover your skin with clothing when outside when mosquitoes are active, wear repellent and use mosquito netting to cover children until 2 months old. Also, cover doors and windows with screens.
