DOH-Pasco Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert
Share:
Pasco County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is informing residents of a third case of locally-acquired dengue. DOH-Pasco and Pasco County Mosquito Control District are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts.
Dengue can present as a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain, fever, and sometimes a rash. Usually, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of dengue will appear within 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.
DOH-Pasco reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by following the “Drain and Cover” principles to reduce mosquito production and protect themselves:
- Drain standing water around homes and businesses at least once a week, including flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, pet water bowls, gutters, tarps, pool covers, and any containers that collect rainwater.
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and pants when practical, and apply an insect repellent registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency according to the product label. Ensure window and door screens are in good repair to help keep mosquitoes outside.
The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please call DOH-Pasco at 727-619-0300.
