CLEARWATER, Florida. – A Clearwater man recovering from dengue fever says he’s still feeling the effects of the virus nearly two weeks after his symptoms began. He hopes sharing his experience will encourage others to take precautions as locally acquired cases continue to rise in Tampa Bay.
Dengue symptoms
What we know:
Tim Libert believes his infection began with a mosquito bite on the patio of his Clearwater home on September 27. Libert says he eventually woke up with pain in his ears that quickly turned into severe pain in his neck and other parts of his body. He also had a fever of 103 degrees that lasted several days.
“I felt like I had been in an accident. Like I had fallen off a motorcycle at 30 miles an hour,” Libert said.
The pain felt like what dengue patients often describe as “brittle” pain. Libert says he spent three straight days in bed and could barely move.
Although he is starting to feel better, he is still experiencing gastrointestinal issues almost two weeks after his symptoms began.
“When something hits you so hard, I wonder what else could happen? Is it a heart attack? Is it some other illness I don’t know about?” » said Libert.
He hopes to return to normal soon, but wants others to understand how serious the illness can be.
“This is not a funny business. And be aware,” Libert said.
Mosquito Control Efforts
The backstory:
The latest state report shows locally acquired dengue cases in Hillsborough County increased to 259, up 36 from the previous week.
Other Tampa Bay counties also remain affected:
- Pinellas: 20 cases, compared to 13.
- Pasco: Three cases, unchanged.
- Polk: One case, unchanged.
In Tampa, crews have removed 23 tons of tires over the past three months to help eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed.
City workers also went door-to-door Friday in neighborhoods where dengue cases have been reported, including Forest Hills, Sulfur Springs, Southeast Seminole Heights, West Tampa and North Hyde Park.
“We have brochures and door hangers, and we let them know that please, if you have standing water, tires, wheelbarrows, anything that’s holding water, please throw it away, throw it away, get rid of it,” said Jack Ciucio with Tampa Neighborhood Enhancement.
Earlier this week, Hillsborough County commissioners approved more than $4.1 million to help fight dengue fever.
Prevention and monitoring
What’s next:
The City of Tampa also says it monitors 85 sites to ensure they are meeting requirements for removing standing water from tires.
Health and local officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
The source : Information for this story comes from the Florida Department of Health, as well as interviews with Tampa Neighborhood Enhancement and Clearwater resident Tim Libert.
Gn Health
