Dengue is being imported into Florida by travelers returning from tropical countries. An active surveillance program implemented by the Florida Department of Health in 1997-1998 reported 18 cases of imported dengue in Florida. Previously, over a 10-year period, about 1.3 cases were reported each year. Since there is no vaccine for dengue, travelers are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and mosquito repellant. Dengue should be considered by healthcare providers for persons with febrile illness and a history of travel to tropical countries within 10 days of onset of symptoms.
Diagnostic confirmation requires appropriate laboratory testing.
Reporting suspect as well as confirmed dengue cases is essential for prompt case follow-up, investigation for secondary cases, public health education, and mosquito control efforts. Public health officials should consider enhanced surveillance for dengue in areas that have widespread mosquito vectors combined with large numbers of travelers returning from dengue endemic areas.