Florida is one of the 49 of 50 U.S. states with local rabies transmission. Rabies is an acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans by a bite or by exposure of broken skin to an infected animal's saliva. Human cases of rabies in the U.S. is rare. Recently, more cases of human rabies have been linked to bats and raccoons than the previous reservoir, dogs.
Influenza affects the nose, throat and lungs, and spreads through coughs and sneezes. While most recover, some cases become serious. Flu shots, handwashing, masks and clean air help prevent infection and protect vulnerable groups from severe infection.
Florida typically sees increased dengue transmission compared to other states in the U.S. Female mosquitoes transmit this most common mosquito-borne disease in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease that primarily affects birds. It is caused by a virus related to those that cause seasonal flu. A subtype of the bird flu virus known as H5N1 can infect mammals, including humans.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common, highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. In healthy adults and older children, RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
