Prepared by TMA member Toowoomba/Brookwater
For most travellers to the USA the risk of dengue fever would low on the list of health issues, however the following report of a dengue fever outbreak adds a sobering reminder to practice mosquito avoidance measures even in first world countries.
According to the Texas Department of Health, 6 laboratory-confirmed, locally acquired cases of dengue fever, the first locally acquired cases since 2005, have been reported in Cameron County in southern Texas State since early November 2013. Additionally, 23 laboratory-confirmed, locally acquired cases have been reported in Martin, St. Lucie, and Miami-Dade counties in Florida State since August 2013. Sporadic cases without sustained transmission are reported in central and southern Florida State each year. Travellers are advised to practice daytime insect precautions.
