Dengue fever concern after cases confirmed in Key West

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - South Florida health agencies are being warned to be on the lookout for people who might be carrying dengue fever after a handful of cases were confirmed in Key West.

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for it and no sure way to prevent it from spreading.

Health officials say they launched the study of antibodies after three dengue cases surfaced in Key West last august.

Officials say 39 residents and visitors have come down with the mosquito-borne disease.

They tested 240 homes and found 5 percent had active dengue or dengue antibodies- they're the first locally acquired cases reported in the state in four decades.

And while there have been no reported cases in Palm Beach County officials say there is always the fear it could spread.

"We’ve been tracking this for a number of years....so we're contacting physicians to let them know to consider a diagnosis," said Tim O'Connor with the Palm Beach County Health Department.

Severe symptoms typically begin three to seven days after the first signs of infection.

According to the CDC, the principal symptoms of dengue fever are high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, and mild bleeding (e.g., nose or gums bleed, easy bruising).

Generally, younger children and those with their first dengue infection have a milder illness than older children and adults.

If you suspect you've been bitten by an infected mosquito, you should see your doctor right away.

Click here to find out more about dengue fever from the Centers for Disease Control, including frequently asked questions.