PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health reported confirming two cases of dengue fever on Friday in Broward County.
Since mosquitoes carry the virus, public health officials asked residents to “remain diligent” in their efforts to protect themselves from mosquito bites with clothing and effective repellents. They also asked residents to drain standing water, maintain swimming pools, and use screens to cover doors and windows.
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About one in four people who get infected with the dengue virus get sick and about one in 20 of those who get sick develop severe dengue with symptoms such as bleeding from the nose or gums and strong abdominal pain, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Over 80% of the cases worldwide are generally mild and asymptomatic, but when severe the illness can be most deadly in younger age groups, according to the World Health Organization.
Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Luis Castro contributed to this report.