Health alerts issued as cases of painful illness typically found in tropical countries spreads across Florida

THE TAKEAWAY

• At least 10 locally acquired cases of dengue have been reported in Florida.
• The virus is often called breakbone fever because of its painful symptoms.
• Cases are reported in 49 U.S. states, but local transmission is not common.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.– A mosquito-borne virus commonly reported in tropical countries has been reported in Florida, with county health departments issuing alerts for local transmission.

“Breakbone Fever,” more commonly known as dengue, is spread by a bite of an Aedes mosquito…

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