Officials Confirm Cases Of Dengue Fever Near S. Fla.

STUART (CBSMiami/AP) — Health officials have issued an alert for a mosquito-borne illness after four cases of dengue fever were confirmed along Florida's Treasure Coast.

The Florida Department of Health in Martin County issued the alert on Thursday.

Three cases were discovered this week in Martin County while a fourth was confirmed in nearby St. Lucie County.

Health officials said the cases were likely related to exposure to mosquitoes in one Jensen Beach neighborhood.

The neighborhood has been sprayed seven times and more than 200 properties were found to have the mosquitoes that transmit the viral disease.

Mosquito control is inspecting and treating properties other properties.

Dengue is sometimes called "break bone fever" because of the severe joint pain it causes in extreme cases. Other symptoms include high fever, severe headache and a rash.

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