Dengue cases rise in Florida, CDC data show

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - New CDC data show dengue cases have increased in several parts of Florida, including counties near the Suncoast.

The CDC’s latest county list does not include Sarasota or Manatee counties. The agency does not show counties with fewer than three cases, so the report does not provide a current exact number for either county.

Hillsborough County has 66 cases. Lee and Pinellas counties each have six cases.

Miami-Dade County has 83 cases, the highest Florida total listed in the latest data. Broward County has 14 cases, and Palm Beach County has eight.

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The CDC reports 1,735 dengue cases nationwide and in U.S. territories so far this year. That is up from 1,575 cases reported on Aug. 26.

Dengue is spread by mosquitoes. Florida health officials say cases are reported each year in people who traveled to places where dengue is present.

Sarasota County Mosquito Management says a person who becomes infected while traveling can return home and be bitten by a local mosquito. That mosquito could then spread the virus to another person.

CDC numbers can change as more reports come in. The agency also says the numbers show where patients live, not necessarily where they became infected.