Healthy Tips for Dengue Prevention in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County Dengue Fever Alert

The Florida Department of Health recently issued a health alert in Hillsborough County due to a confirmed case of locally acquired dengue fever. According to the county's Mosquito Management Services director David Fiess, the last locally-transmitted case of dengue in Hillsborough County was reported in 2019. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are spread through mosquito bites, and health officials have responded by conducting mosquito control measures in the affected area.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported several cases of locally acquired dengue in Florida this year, indicating that individuals did not travel to regions where dengue is common. Mosquitoes carrying dengue can thrive in small amounts of water, making it crucial for residents to eliminate any standing water around their homes. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, rash, and nausea, with some cases potentially becoming severe and life-threatening. Health officials are advising residents to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent when outdoors.

Prevention Efforts and Mosquito Control

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has confirmed a case of locally acquired dengue fever caused by a mosquito bite. Mosquito management crews are actively spraying the area to prevent further spread of the disease. Dr. Thomas Unnasch, who works with the USF Department of Global Health, described the mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue as aggressive and prone to feeding on humans. Most people recover from dengue within 7 to 10 days, but repeated infections can lead to more serious complications.

Officials are urging residents to remove standing water from their surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding. Aerial spraying is being conducted as a preventive measure, and residents are encouraged to report any dead birds to the appropriate authorities. The Department of Health is actively monitoring mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, West Nile virus, and malaria, and providing information to the public on preventive measures. For more information on dengue fever and mosquito-borne diseases, residents can visit the Department of Health's website.