MASSACHUSETTS — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 50 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Massachusetts so far this year, with Worcester County having between one and four of them.

The CDC issued a health advisory earlier this week, saying there was an increased risk of the illness in the United States. The disease is more commonly found in tropical climates, like the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, but so far this year, they've reported more than double the cases when compared to 2023. 

The disease, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, can lead to fevers, rash, head or muscle aches, and in severe cases, even death. Ford's Hometown Services in Worcester works to eliminate pests, and says something as small as a bottle cap of water in your backyard can lead to hundreds, if not thousands of mosquitoes.

"Pretty much the way mosquito breeding works is: the hotter it is, the faster it goes," Lucas Ford said. "An egg can take one to two days to hatch. But, I mean, as June and even in April we had some really hot days. The season kind of got kickstarted and the populations had a huge jump start in comparison to those that take a while to get warmer."

Ford recommends getting rid of any standing water in your backyard, wearing repellent and long sleeves. 

The CDC says if you experience any symptoms similar to those of dengue fever, you should seek professional help. They also recommend getting checked if you traveled to a place where the virus is more prominent.