Hillsborough County has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert following the report of six locally acquired cases of dengue fever, according to the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause significant discomfort and pain but is rarely fatal. Symptoms typically appear 3–14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Severe headache
• Eye pain
• Muscle and joint pain (earning the nickname “breakbone fever”)
• Bleeding symptoms
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea in some cases

The illness generally lasts 4–7 days, but it can be misdiagnosed due to its similarity to influenza and other viral infections. While there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, early identification and symptom management are crucial to preventing severe complications.

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and dengue fever, the DOH advises residents to take the following precautions:

Eliminate Standing Water:

• Drain water from items such as garbage cans, gutters, pool covers, toys, flower pots, and other containers where rain or sprinkler water collects.
• Dispose of unused items like old tires, cans, and broken appliances that can collect water.
• Clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Ensure tarps on boats and vehicles do not trap water.
• Maintain proper pool chemistry and drain plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Protect Your Home:

• Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

Personal Protection:

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed shoes when outdoors, especially during times of high mosquito activity.
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535.

Ongoing Efforts

Hillsborough County’s health department is collaborating with Mosquito Control to monitor and manage the situation. Aerial spraying operations are underway to reduce the mosquito population and curb the spread of the disease.

By staying vigilant and implementing these preventive measures, residents can help protect themselves and their families from dengue fever.

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(Image credit: Fox 13 Tampa Bay)