DOH-Manatee Updates Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert
Share:
Manatee County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) is informing residents of a second confirmed case of locally acquired dengue. DOH-Manatee has been proactively working with partners since the outbreak began several months ago. In coordination with county departments and Manatee County Mosquito Control, surveillance and prevention efforts have included increased truck fogging, aerial larviciding, and localized ground inspections for breeding locations.
Dengue can present as a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and join 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-Manatee reminds the community to avoid mosquito bites by taking basic precautions.
- Wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Apply insect repellents that are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) to exposed skin and clothing. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Control mosquitoes inside and outside. Repair damaged screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios. Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
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.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please call your health care provider.
