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Three Florida counties have declared a state of emergency over the spread of dengue fever in the state.
As of September 23, Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have made these declarations due to the spread of the mosquito-borne illness, according to each county’s press release.
Local emergency declarations allow county officials to expedite mosquito control operations, make emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts and, when appropriate, seek state or federal assistance or reimbursement, the releases said.
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Under Florida law, local emergency declarations expire after seven days unless renewed.
A total of 190 locally acquired dengue cases have been confirmed in six Florida counties, according to the Florida Department of Health’s latest surveillance report, which covered cases that appeared through September 19.
Three Florida counties have declared a state of emergency over the spread of dengue fever in the state. (Getty Images)
Of the 190 locally acquired cases, 170 were reported in Hillsborough County, seven in Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties, three in Orange County, two in Pasco County and one in Palm Beach County.
The 190 locally acquired infections are separate from the travel-associated dengue cases reported in Florida this year.
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Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, severe pain, nausea, rash and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Aedes mosquitoes that can transmit dengue fever are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments like those found in Florida.”
Dengue is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific Islands, Latin America, and Africa. Although less common in the continental United States, locally acquired cases have been recorded in Florida, California, and Texas.
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“Aedes mosquitoes that can transmit dengue fever are active during the day and thrive in warm, humid environments like those found in Florida,” an entomologist spokesperson from the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health, creator of OFF!, said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
“As cases of dengue fever continue to be reported in the Tampa area, it is especially important to take steps to prevent mosquito bites,” the expert continued. “Staying aware of local mosquito activity and consistently protecting yourself from bites are important steps people can take to reduce their risks.”
Stop the spread
The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) previously said its crews are increasing aerial and ground treatments in areas with dengue virus activity, while also inspecting private properties for potential mosquito breeding sites, according to reports.
Local emergency declarations allow county officials to expedite mosquito control operations, make emergency purchases, coordinate response efforts and, when appropriate, request state or federal assistance or reimbursement. (iStock)
The FMCA urged residents to drain or cover standing water around their homes. The mosquito that spreads dengue is container-breeding, meaning it lays its eggs in buckets, planters, plant saucers, tires, discarded toys and other objects that collect small amounts of water, experts say.
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SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health entomologist shared the following recommendations for preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent: Review, follow and apply the repellent label directions to help prevent mosquito bites.
- Eliminate sources of standing water nearby: Where there is stagnant water, there can be mosquitoes. Mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of water to breed, so areas such as gutters, birdbaths, or buckets with standing water are all possible breeding sites.
- Layer repellent and sunscreen correctly: When using both sunscreen and mosquito repellent, apply sunscreen first, followed by mosquito repellent. Be sure to follow the label directions for both products and reapply as directed.
- Protect throughout the day: Don’t limit mosquito precautions to dawn and dusk. Aedes mosquitoes that can spread dengue fever are active throughout the day, so use protection whenever exposure to mosquitoes is possible.
The FMCA also advises people to dress in long sleeves, light colors and closed-toe shoes outdoors.
Dengue is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific Islands, Latin America, and Africa. (iStock)
Symptoms and treatment
Many people infected with dengue have no symptoms, and most people who get sick recover within a week or two, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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In some cases, however, the illness can progress to severe dengue fever, a potentially fatal illness.
Symptoms usually begin four to ten days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
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Warning signs can appear quickly, often within a day or two after the fever has gone. These may include severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue and irritability, or restlessness.
People experiencing warning signs of severe dengue should seek medical attention immediately.
Gn Health
