HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has confirmed a fifth case of locally acquired dengue fever, prompting continued mosquito-borne illness alerts in the county.
DOH-Hillsborough, in collaboration with Hillsborough County Mosquito Control, is actively working to combat the spread of the disease. Aerial spraying is being conducted to control the mosquito population, and health officials are urging residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
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To minimize the risk of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses, residents are advised to:
- Drain standing water: This includes anything from flowerpots and buckets to old tires and birdbaths.
- Cover skin: Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use repellent: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin.
Dengue fever is a viral illness spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash. In severe cases, dengue can lead to serious complications.
The Department of Health is conducting statewide surveillance for various mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and malaria. Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as they can be an indicator of mosquito-borne diseases.
For more information on dengue fever and mosquito bite prevention, please visit the Florida Department of Health website or contact your local county health department.
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