The topic of Dengue fever has been buzzing in the news, especially with talks about its potential emergence in the United States. For residents of Jacksonville FL fretting over the chance of Dengue fever arriving in your area, here’s some reassuring news: the probability is minimal.
However, it’s understandable to be apprehensive about this, which is why we’ve compiled this guide to provide you with crucial details regarding Dengue fever and its transmission methods.
How Is Dengue Fever Transmitted?
The primary mode of transmission for Dengue fever is through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes that are infected. While some might think Dengue can spread from one person to another, this is inaccurate. Instead, when an Aedes mosquito bites someone infected with Dengue, it becomes a vector for the disease, capable of infecting others. This cycle perpetuates in areas where Dengue is widespread.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is prevalent in over 100 countries across Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands, with yearly infections estimated between 100 to 400 million. While many infections don’t show symptoms, Dengue can cause severe illness in roughly 500,000 individuals annually and leads to about 40,000 deaths.
Symptoms of Dengue fever encompass:
- High fever
- Intense headache
- Eye pain
- Muscle and joint aches
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- A skin rash that develops two to five days post-fever onset
- Minor bleeding issues, like nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising
Should You Be Concerned About Dengue Fever?
Currently, the United States sees a very low risk of Dengue fever transmission. It’s more probable for one to win the lottery than contract Dengue. In 2023, Florida reported only two cases of local transmission.
These instances, though rare, underscore that diseases transmitted by mosquitoes can spread to new territories. Theories abound as to why Dengue is appearing in regions previously unaffected. The CDC monitors Dengue fever cases within the United States, providing up-to-date information for those interested.
Mosquito Control Experts in Jacksonville FL
Although Dengue fever remains a considerable concern globally, the chances of facing it in Jacksonville FL are notably slim at present. Nonetheless, for those worried about mosquito presence in your vicinity, reaching out to Bug Out for dependable mosquito control solutions is a wise choice.
With our expertise, we aim to deliver peace of mind by safeguarding your household and community against mosquito-related threats.