Health Department warning about mosquitoes because of dengue fever

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Health Department warning about mosquitoes because of dengue fever

County News

Friday, 09 November 2012 16:25

By Ken Jackson
Staff Writer
Cooler weather and dry conditions may make Osceola County residents think of other hazards than mosquito-borne diseases, but health officials warn caution after confirming a case of dengue fever in the last week.
The Osceola County Health Department (CHD) is advising residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after confirming of one case in a 41-year-old woman on Nov. 2. She was diagnosed based on symptoms, and later confirmed through lab tests, but has since recovered.
The dengue virus, transmitted by a breed of mosquito common to the southeastern United States and the tropics that typically bite during the day, particularly in the early morning and in the evening, is one of many monitored by the Florida Department of Health. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Following a bite from a virus-carrying mosquito, the disease shows up with sudden effects: a rash, fever, headaches, and in some cases joint aches and vomiting, that can last for two to seven days. There is no vaccine or antibiotic for dengue.
The primary method of controlling dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses is eliminating their habitat and human exposure.
The Health Department recommends residents take on a “Drain and Cover” prevention method. That includes checking around the home to drain areas of standing water like garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots and bird baths where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Pools should be properly chlorinated and in good condition, or covered.
Residents also should cover exposed skin when mosquitoes are active, either with sleeves, long pants and socks, or with mosquito repellent with DEET on skin not covered with clothes. Broken screens, windows, doors, porches, and patios should be repaired to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov) has more information on dengue fever.
Information for other Florida-specific information on current mosquito disease activity can be found at http://myfloridaeh.com/medicine/arboviral/surveillance.htm.