Case of dengue confirmed in Broward

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Health officials have confirmed another case of dengue fever in Broward County, and this time it seems to have originated within the County.

This new victim came down the mosquito-borne virus in Broward sometime in the past week. Last month, health officials said a Wilton Manors woman developed the illness after a trip to Key West, where scores of cases had already been documented.

Though both of the victims have since recovered, the disease could prove fatal to some. However, fatal cases of dengue are very rare.

The symptoms of dengue fever include the following:

-Fever
-Severe headache
-Pain behind the eyes
-Muscle and joint pain
-Rash

A few weeks ago, Miami-Dade County had a scare of dengue, which was later ruled out. But now, Broward has sent out county pest control workers to try and eliminate the threat by spraying certain areas and removing mosquito larvae discovered in standing water.

Lori Happel was the Wilton Manors woman who contracted dengue in the Keys. "I've lived here 40 years, and I don't wear mosquito repellent on a day-to-day basis but had I been forewarned, yes, I probably would have taken extra precautions," she said.

Happel said the pain nearly knocked her out. "For me, when I got this, I could not get out of bed when I actually ended up in the emergency room. I had to call friends to come pick me up to take me to the emergency room."

According to experts, the type of mosquito that carries the disease is active during the day and exists in close proximity with humans. To keep from getting bitten by mosquitoes, health officials emphasize the "Five Ds" for prevention:

-Avoid being out at dusk and dawn.
-Dress accordingly, wearing clothing that covers most of your skin.
-Use bug repellents containing Deet.
-Finally, drain any areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

"These preventative messages are for all Broward County residents, " said Dr. Paula Thaqi, the director of the Broward Health Department, "and of course for all Florida residents because mosquitoes don't respect city lines or county lines."

Additionally, the Broward County Mosquito Control manager encouraged residents to contact their office if they see an increase in mosquito activity or would like their home or neighborhood sprayed. Call Broward County Mosquito Control at 954-765-4062 for more information or visit www.broward.org/streets and click MOSQUITO CONTROL.

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