Florida Locally Acquired Dengue Cases Reach 524, the Largest U.S. Outbreak in Decades
The outbreak in Florida's Tampa Bay area continues to grow. The Florida Department of Health reported on November 6 that locally acquired dengue cases statewide have reached 524 this year, with 39 new cases in a week, making it the largest dengue outbreak in the United States in decades. Cases are heavily concentrated in Hillsborough County on Florida's west coast, where 407 cases have been confirmed. Twelve counties statewide have reported locally acquired cases, and another 20 counties are under a mosquito-borne illness advisory or alert. Hillsborough County has confirmed one dengue death: Guy Small, 80, whose death certificate listed dengue infection with septic shock and multi-organ failure. The local state of emergency previously declared by the Hillsborough County administrator expires on November 12; any extension will require a new decision by the county. Beyond dengue, the state has also reported eight locally acquired West Nile virus positive samples and one chikungunya case. Health officials urge residents to remove standing water, use mosquito repellent, and seek care promptly if symptoms such as fever, headache and joint pain appear.
(Source: Florida Department of Health)
Source: Florida Department of Health
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：佛罗里达州希尔斯伯勒县政府大楼，坦帕疫情集中于该县。图片来源：GSM 固定图库。 / Photo: Hillsborough County government building in Tampa, where Florida's dengue cases are concentrated. Photo: GSM asset library.
