Florida officials expand dengue fever alert as cases rise

A rise in dengue fever cases has prompted Florida officials to issue another health alert for the mosquito-borne illness — which has so far infected at least 10 people across the state.

The state’s Department of Health has now placed Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, under an illness alert.

The county is the second after Miami-Dade to be warned about the spread of the viral infection.

Two cases of locally contracted dengue have been discovered in Broward County this year, according to the department’s latest surveillance report.

In total, officials know of 10 cases of the virus that were locally transmitted within the Sunshine State.

The mosquito-transmitted virus is also known as “breakbone fever” for the fever, muscle aches, and joint pains associated with it.

Americans have traditionally contracted dengue from traveling overseas to locations where it is widespread — making the new cases spread locally unusual.

In total, Florida has reported nearly 200 cases of dengue among people who traveled to such areas.

Dengue is spread through mosquito bites and provides a greater hazard to pregnant women, infants, the elderly, people with comorbidities, and people who have had it before.

The symptoms of dengue usually last between four and seven days.