Dengue Fever Arrives in United States

FAIRFAX, Va. (March 15, 2013) – During last year’s mosquito season, everyone - from pest experts to the media to the general population - was focused on the West Nile virus outbreak across the United States. However, another mosquito-borne virus, Dengue fever, has been confirmed in the States and is concerning government officials. According to the LATimes.com, a study published in the CDC journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, identified Key West, Fla., as the "ground zero for transmission of dengue."

Dengue fever, which is commonly spread through the bite of a mosquito, causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal in some cases. Experts at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) say avoiding the outdoors during prime mosquito activity during dusk and dawn, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using insect repellant containing DEET or picaridin, will help protect against mosquito bites.