4 Confirmed Cases of Locally Acquired Dengue Reported in Brevard County, DOH Announces

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County has confirmed four instances of “locally acquired” dengue, as noted in a press release.

Responding to these cases, officials announced on Wednesday that the DOH-Brevard along with Brevard County Mosquito Control are working together on surveillance, increased monitoring, and overnight spraying to lessen the risk of transmitting the disease.

According to the release, dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Dengue symptoms can manifest within 15 days of a mosquito bite, according to DOH. These symptoms may include intense muscle pain, joint pain, fever, and occasionally, a rash.

DOH-Brevard said the community can avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these precautions:

• Protect yourself with repellent, ensuring it’s safe to apply by reading the label.

• Preventing mosquito breeding involves eliminating standing water. Officials highlight that mosquitoes can reside indoors, and just a teaspoon of standing water is sufficient for them to breed and expand their population.

• Repair holes in window screens and use air-conditioning to keep mosquitoes outside.

DOH-Brevard is asking anyone experiencing any symptoms, to please call them at 321- 454-7101.