Dengue at the Doorstep: Small Outbreaks in Florida are a Warning Sign to US Navy Medical Personnel

摘要

Dengue may not be as well known as malaria as an important human disease transmitted by mosquitoes; however, as climate change possibly spread pathogens into new territory and the Navy turns its attention to Asia, this may not be the case for much longer. Dengue, also known as Break Bone Fever, is a febrile disease characterized by high fevers, low platelet counts, nausea, vomiting and rash. There are four dengue serotypes and infection with one serotype does not provide protection from the others. In fact, serial infection results in increased likelihood of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.