Martin County health officials lift dengue fever advisory

The Florida Department of Health in Martin County today announced an end to the dengue fever advisory in the Rio and Jensen Beach areas. Health officials initiated the advisory in August, following confirmed local transmission of the mosquito-borne disease there. 

A female Aedes aegypti mosquito
Image/CDC

“We have worked closely with Martin County Mosquito Control to monitor the situation throughout the fall.” said Karlette Peck, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Martin County. “With the reduction in mosquito breeding in the Rio and Jensen Beach communities, there is now a lower risk for dengue. However, it is important for all residents to continue to take precautions including draining containers of standing water around their homes and using repellent when working outdoors.”

For 10 days in September, outreach teams from the Florida Department of Health conducted a door-to-door community survey in the Rio and Jensen Beach areas, providing information on dengue fever and collecting approximately 400 blood samples for analysis. Results showed the majority of samples were negative; however, test results are pending for approximately 40 of the samples. Results are expected in late January.  Through routine surveillance and community survey efforts, 22 cases of locally-acquired dengue fever were confirmed, with onset of symptoms ranging from May to September.

On Tuesday December 3, Health Officer Peck will present acknowledgement letters from State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to the Martin County Mosquito Control staff thanking them for their efforts during the dengue fever outbreak. The presentation will take place at approximately 2:45 pm, during the Martin County Board of County Commissioner’s meeting in Stuart.

For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page

Looking for a job in health care? Check here to see what’s available