An 82-year-old man is the second person in Miami-Dade County to have been diagnosed with dengue fever this year.
The Miami-Dade County Health Department reported the case Friday. The first case of the year was reported in September and involved a woman in her 60s.
Earlier this month, a 41-year-old Osceola County woman was diagnosed with the mosquito-borne illness. And in September, a 19-year-old Seminole County man was diagnosed with dengue fever based on his symptoms and lab tests.
Year's First Locally Contracted Case of Dengue Fever Confirmed in Miami-Dade
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It's sometimes called "break bone fever" because of the severe joint pain it can cause in extreme cases.
According to the health department, other symptoms of dengue fever could include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, pain behind the eyes and confusion.
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Health officials say residents should reduce their exposure to mosquitoes. It said to reduce the presence of mosquitoes, residents should drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers that collect rain water.
It recommends covering doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes, and covering skin with clothing and repellent. Children younger than 2 months old can be protected with mosquito netting.
Anyone with questions may contact the Miami-Dade County Health Department at 305-324-2400 or visit www.dadehealth.org
VIDEO: Homeowner Tips to Avoid Dengue
