( CNN ) -- Florida health officials say they 've confirmed eight cases of dengue fever . Those infected have no history of recent international travel , the Florida Department of Health said Tuesday , `` so exposure was likely from local mosquitoes . '' The cases were reported in two southeastern Florida counties : Martin and Miami-Dade . Dengue acquired from local mosquitoes is rare in the United States , Florida health officials said , urging residents to take steps such as wearing repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses . Dengue fever is passed from person to person by mosquitoes . Unlike malaria , there are no drugs to prevent it . It also is difficult to treat and thus far , attempts to develop a vaccine have been unsuccessful . The World Health Organization estimates that there are between 50 million and 100 million infections each year . Dengue is most common in Asia and India , but more cases have been popping up in the Caribbean and Latin America in recent years . In mild cases , dengue fever causes a high fever , rash and joint and muscle pain . In extreme cases , it can cause death . According to the World Health Organization , about 12,000 people die of dengue fever each year . The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say dengue rarely occurs in the United States . But this is n't the first time Florida has dealt with dengue . In 2009 and 2010 , officials documented 28 locally acquired cases in Key West . As dengue cases increase , Honduras declares state of emergency . CNN 's Miriam Falco and Jennifer Bixler contributed to this report .
Health officials say local mosquitoes in Florida spread the disease . Eight dengue cases have been reported in two Florida counties . Dengue rarely occurs in the United States . There are up to 100 million infections annually worldwide , the WHO says .