In a follow up to the dengue fever situation on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Martin County health officials say the case total now stands at 18.

This is up from 15 reported last week.

According to a press release today, The Florida Department of Health confirmed three additional cases of dengue fever, bringing the total to 18 locally acquired cases in the Rio and Jensen Beach area. Of the cases, 11 are Martin County residents, two non-Florida residents, one Palm Beach resident and four St. Lucie residents who visited Martin County.

In addition, health authorities announced a plan to conduct a community survey to determine the extent of dengue fever in the area and gather information to help prevent further transmission.

“Teams from the Florida Department of Health and Martin County Mosquito Control will begin visiting homes in the Rio and Jensen Beach area tomorrow,” said Dr. Karlette Peck, Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Martin County.

“This important door to door effort will be conducted for approximately a week in order to provide prevention information, a risk assessment survey and with the resident’s consent, draw blood for dengue testing.”

A similar survey was conducted in Key West during the 2009 outbreak there, which provided valuable data for prevention and control. Later today, residents in the Rio and Jensen Beach areas will receive a Reverse 911 call with information about the survey and dengue prevention tips.

In addition to the Martin County Health Department update today, Wednesday, OneBlood, a Florida-based blood bank announced that they will temporarily suspending blood collection operations in Martin and St. Lucie counties in Southeast Florida until further notice.

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