More than a dozen cases of a rare disease transmitted through mosquito bites have been confirmed in North Carolina.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Health officials have confirmed several cases of dengue, a rare viral disease caused by mosquito bites, in Mecklenburg County.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there have been about 16 total cases in North Carolina, with four cases confirmed in Mecklenburg County. The report comes just days after health officials issued a nationwide public health alert about the disease.
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How is dengue transmitted?
Dengue fever is caused by certain infected mosquitoes and is transmitted to humans when they are bitten.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
The most common symptoms of dengue are high fever, rash, nausea, and joint pain. Other symptoms include eye pain, usually behind the eyes, and vomiting. According to the CDC, symptoms usually begin two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms usually last two to seven days. Most patients recover within a week.
How is dengue treated?
The CDC says there is no specific treatment for dengue, but infected people should rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Anyone with a fever or dengue symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.
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